OPTION 2: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEGREE - TEACHER

Description: Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student’s personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. Six (6) hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements must be completed prior to observation.)

Description: Provides a study of human development from conception through adolescence. Includes research methods and developmental theories. Address all major areas of development (physical, social, emotional and cognitive, language, and aesthetic) and the interaction among these areas. Also examines current research and major developmental theoretical points of view, including those of Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, Gardner and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture, socio-economics, race, ethnicity, religion, and society. Emphasis is on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912

Description: Provides an overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plans, emerging curriculum, scheduling, room arrangement, materials and equipment; individual, small and large group activities; short and long term goals; and teacher’s roles and responsibilities in curriculum development. Three (3) hours of observation required.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better.

Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Description: Examines the theories and research (including early intervention) related to infants and toddlers with a focus on methods of care given in home-based and school-based infant programs. Five (5) hours of observation of infants/toddlers and related program are required.

Description: Understand concepts of appropriate assessment, expected educational outcomes, the teacher's responsibility in assessment and how young children develop and learn. Students will understand how appropriate assessments can measure and evaluate child growth and development and how the use of assessment tools can influence decisions in early childhood education with an emphasis on appropriate guidance techniques and strategies. Four (4) hours of observation are required.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ECE 102 with a grade of C or better.

Description: Focuses on personal health of the individual, including nutrition and health and safety issues, with emphasis on meeting health needs for children in group settings. A healthy lifestyle, preventive health and community health are examined. One (1) hour of observation is required.

Description: Presents the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education as well as an overview of the diverse characteristics of individuals with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Covers identification, intervention strategies, cross-categorical methods of instruction and programs to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, assistive technologies, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), behavioral interventions, and Universal Design. Studies applicable state and federal laws and requirements, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Response to Intervention (RTI) and inclusive programming. This course addresses the coursework identified in the Illinois Administrative Code 25, Section 25:25 for professional educator licensure. There is a mandatory fifteen (15) hour clinical component in this course; therefore, the student must pass a criminal background check for successful completion of this course. IAI ECE 913

Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900

Description: This course is only offered in the fall term.

Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of language development, the stages involved, the role that adults play, and the relationship of language to other aspects of development. Introduces the student to a wide variety of language activities appropriate for young children and develops skills in preparing, presenting and evaluating language activities.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Description: This course is only offered in the fall term.

Examines the theoretical framework for art, creativity, music and movement. Acquaints the student with a variety of creative art materials and methods appropriate for use in programs for young children. Includes firsthand experience with materials and planning an arts program. Stresses the relationship of creative experiences within the curriculum and the role of creative experiences within the early childhood program.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Description: Emphasizes the practical application of principles and theories in early childhood education within a supervised setting, while working with young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend weekly seminars. (NOTE: The program's health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum).

Prerequisite: ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 115, ECE 209, ECE 226 and ENG 101 with grades of C or better, or consent of instructor.

Description: Provides an introduction to diversity issues in schools and society today. Examines how schooling is shaped by the social contexts in which it occurs, particularly in multicultural and global contexts. Includes examination of both social and global perspectives.

Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Description: This course is only offered in the spring term.

Introduces the theory and practice related to math and science for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials.

Prerequisite: ECE 115.

Description: Concentrates on teacher's role in working with children within the context of family and community. Stresses effective communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. Includes an in-depth study of community resources. Two (2) hours of observation are required. IAI ECE 915

Description: Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a supervisory capacity, while working with young children aged 0-3 years. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional for 60 documented hours at an approved site and attend a weekly seminar (NOTE: The program’s health requirements, background check and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum).

Prerequisite: ECE 111 and ECE 291 with grades of C or better, and consent of instructor.