Early Childhood Education
ECE 101 3 Credits
Introduction to Early Childhood Profession
Includes historical foundation, current issues and trends, exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate programs, contemporary needs of childen and families, the importance of being an advocate, professional standards and career opportunities, introduction to NAEYC and the code of ethical conduct. (2.75+.5) Offered Fall, Spring
ECE 102 3 Credits
Essentials of Parenting
An introductory course to help new parents with basic information and skills required for caring for young children. Includes basics of child development, infant care and relationship-building, nutrition and budgeting. May be offered through the high schools with a tech-prep agreement and applied to the early childhood degree programs as elective credit. (3+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 105 1 Credit
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Introduction to developmentally and culturally appropriate teaching practice in early childhood settings. Topics include basic verbal skills, inclusion, the teaching process, organizing a class, lesson planning and curriculum development. (Note: Successful completion of this course is required prior to enrollment in any of the ECE activity classes. This class may be taken concurrently with ECE activity classes.) (.75+.5) Offered Fall, Spring
ECE 106 1 Credit
SEED Level I (Alaska System for Early Education Development)
An entry level overview of the Alaska System for Early Education Development (SEED). Through class instruciton and guided self-study, students explore the basics of an early childhood career path. (Graded pass/fail.) (1+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 110 3 Credits
Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments
Establishing and maintaining physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environments for children. Includes common illnesses, preventive health care, nutritional needs, safety aspects of caring for young children, and Alaska laws and regulations relating to safe, healthy, learning environments. Space, relationships, materials and routines are explored as resources for constructing interesting, secure and enjoyable environments that encourage safe, healthy, play, exploration and learning. (Alternative: ECE 112, 113 and 114.) (3+0) Offered Spring
ECE 111 1 Credit
Nutrition for Young Children
Appropriate ways to meet the nutritional needs of infants and young children, including laws, regulations and appropriate practices relative to food handling service. (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 112 1 Credit
Healthy Environment for Young Children
Establishing and maintaining a physically and psychologically safe environment for children, including common illnesses, preventive health care and Alaska laws and regulations relating to the health of young children. (Alternative to ECE 110 when taken with ECE 113 and 114.) (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 113 1 Credit
Safe Environment for Young Children
Establishing and maintaining a physically and psychologically safe environment for children, including safety aspects of caring for young children and Alaska laws and regulations relating to safety. (Alternative to ECE 110 when taken with ECE 112 and 114.) (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 114 1 Credit
Learning Environments
Space, relationships, materials and routines as resources for constructing interesting, secure and enjoyable environments that encourage play, exploration and learning. (Alternative to ECE 110 when taken with ECE 112 and 113.) (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 117 3 Credits
Math Skills for Early Childhood Education
(Cross-listed with HSV 117)
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Emphasis on applications of computational skills. (3+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 120A 3 Credits
Curriculum I
Curriculum and activities to advance the physical, language and literacy competencies of young children, including teacher techniques and attitudes for establishing integrated, meaningful and relevant experiences within indoor and outdoor environments. Developmentally appropriate methods of facilitating individual and small group experiences, teacher-directed times, transitions and assessment are included. (Alternative: ECE 105, 121, and 123.) (2.5+1) Offered Fall
ECE 120B 3 Credits
Curriculum II
Curriculum and activities to advance the cognitive development of young children with emphasis on science, math and creativity. Includes a variety of approaches to curriculum development, assessment and necessary skills for early childhood teachers. (Alternative: ECE 122, 124 and 125.) (2.5+1) Offered Spring
ECE 121 1 Credit
Physical Activities for Young Children
Essentials of creating an environment which provides space, materials, equipment and activities to promote the physical development of children. (Alternative to ECE 120A when taken with ECE 105 and 123.) (1+0) Offered Fall
ECE 122 1 Credit
Cognitive Activities for Young Children
Curriculum planning and facilitation of activities and experiences which encourage questioning, probing and problem-solving skills appropriate for different developmental levels and various learning styles of young children. (Alternative to ECE 120B when taken with ECE 124 and 125.) (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 123 1 Credit
Language and Literature Activities for Young Children
Curriculum planning and facilitation of activities that help children acquire and use language as a means of communicating their thoughts and feelings. Includes nonverbal communication and understanding of others. (Alternative to ECE 120A when taken with ECE 105 and 121.) (1+0) Offered Fall
ECE 124 1 Credit
Creative Activities for Young Children
Curriculum planning and facilitation of activities which provide a variety of experiences and media that stimulate children to explore and express their creative ability. (Alternative to ECE 120B when taken with ECE 122 and 125.) (1+0) Offered Fall, Spring
ECE 125 1 Credit
Math Activities
Overview of how children construct mathematical meanings. Introduction to mathematical learning principles and experiences for children, 3--8 years. (Alternative to ECE 120B when taken with ECE 122 and 124) (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 126 1 Credit
Activities for School-Age Child Care
For child care staff who work in after-school and/or summer programs. Focus on daily activity schedules and appropriate, fun, challenging activities and projects for young school-age children. (1+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 130 2 Credits
Culture, Learning and the Young Child
Ways each child within a culture comes to know, accept and take pride in himself or herself. Maintaining a culturally appropriate, open, friendly and cooperative caring relationship with each child's family. (2+0) Offered Fall
ECE 132 1 Credit
Young Child and the Family
Introduction to the importance of a positive and productive relationship between families and the child development centers. Emphasis on using this relationship to coordinate child rearing efforts of both the family and the educator. (1+0) Offered Spring
ECE 135 1 Credit
Family Day Care Home Provider Training
Operation of safe, successful day care home or family day care program. Overview of laws and regulations, business practices, parental concerns, health and safety, activities, space planning, snack and meal service, community support, and provider concerns. (Next offered: 2005--06.)(1+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 140 3 Credits
Positive Social Development
Classroom management techniques for teachers working with groups of children 3-8 years old. Explores the importance of a strong self-concept and methods for helping children develop positive self-esteem and a pro-social orientation. Includes skills necessary to provide appropriate guidance including: setting limits, use of logical and natural consequences and helping children learn social problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation. (Alternate: ECE 141, 142 and 143.) (2.5+.5) Offered Fall
ECE 141 1 Credit
Class Management
Classroom management for teachers working with groups of children 3-8 years old. Explores skills needed to provide an environment in which children can begin to learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors as individuals and as a group. Appropriate guidance including: setting limits, use of logical and natural consequences and helping children learn social problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation. (Alternative to ECE 140 when taken with ECE 142 and 143.) (1+0) Offered Fall
ECE 142 1 Credit
Social Development of the Young Child
Explores skills that help each child feel accepted in the group. Encourages communication empathy and mutual respect among children and adults. Emphasis on methods used to promote pro-social skills such as sharing, making friends, helping children learn social problem solving, conflict resolution and negotiation. (Alternative to ECE 140 when taken with ECE 141 and 143.) (1+0) Offered Fall
ECE 143 1 Credit
Developing Positive Self-Concepts in Young Children
Explores the importance of a strong self-concept and methods for helping children develop positive self esteem. Emphasis on providing success-oriented activities, encouraging acceptance and expression of children's feelings and developing pride as an individual and as a member of a cultural/ethnic group. (Alternative to ECE 140 when taken with ECE 141 and 142.) (1+0) Offered Fall
ECE 170 1--3 Credits
Practicum I
A guided student teaching experience in working with a group of 0--8 year old children. Students apply skill in providing quality early care and education based on the knowledge of early childhood theories and approved practices. Assumes increasing responsibility for planning and lead teaching. (Prerequisites: ECE 101, 110, 120, 140, 245.) (.5+variable) (Alternative ECE 171, 172 and 173) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer
ECE 171 1 Credit
Program Management
The importance of coordination and communication among staff in the classroom. Emphasis on effective group planning, using resources, improving communication, sharing information about children, maintaining records, and establishing and following policies, rules and regulations. (1+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 172 1 Credit
Professionalism
Awareness of one's own personal qualities, feelings and values that affect the teaching atmosphere; one's relationships with children; one's own teaching style. (1+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 173 1 Credit
Reflective Teaching
Students will develop and expand their capacities to be self-reflective teachers. Promote skills to understand and reflect on early childhood principles, theories and their teaching practices in programs for young children birth to age eight. (Prerequisites: ECE 101, 110, 120A, 120B, 140, 245.) (0+3.5) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 210 3 Credits
Child Guidance
Guidance and discipline approaches for young children, based on an understanding of child development and of developmentally appropriate education practices. Such an understanding assists teachers and parents in addressing the cause of a behavior problem rather than the symptoms. (Prerequisite: Qualified for English 111X or instructor permission.) (3+0) Offered Spring
ECE 220 3 Credits
Infant and Toddler Care
Developmentally appropriate care and nurturance of infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on the importance of building relationships. Includes activities to stimulate development and learning and support communication, guidance and health. Demonstration of research-based techniques is integral to the course. Weekly practice labs required. (Prerequisites: ECE 245 or permission of instructor.) (2.5+1) Offered Spring
ECE 230 3 Credits
Introduction to Children with Special Needs
An overview of categories of exceptionality includes hearing and visual impairments; learning, speech and language disabilities; emotional disturbances; physical and mental challenges; and the gifted and talented. (Prerequisite: ECE 245 and qualified for ENGL 111X or permission of instructor.) (3+0) Offered Fall
ECE 235 2 Credits
Screening, Assessment and Recording
Information to help teachers of young children understand the purpose of screening. Presents use of good screening procedures. Explores the importance of assessing young children's development and provides tools and practice for recording and evaluating children's progress towards goals. Includes a variety of evaluation tools for assessing young children's development. (Prerequisite: Qualified for ENGL 111X or instructor permission. Recommended: ECE 105.) (2+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 240 3 Credits
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (s)
Developmental, social, educational and legal (PL94-142 and 99-457) issues related to the education of young children with special needs. Includes the role of the teacher in identifying, assessing and individualizing educational programs for young children with special needs. Emphasis on including the children in the least restrictive and most responsive environments. (Prerequisites: ECE 245 and qualified for ENGL 111X or permission of instructor.) (3+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 245 3 Credits
Child Development (s)
Examination of human relationships with and among children from a multicultural perspective. Includes physical, intellectual, emotional and social development beginning before birth through middle childhood. Requires child observations. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Qualified for ENGL 111X or permission of instructor.) (3+0) Offered Fall, Spring
ECE 249 1-3 Credits
Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
Selected current issues of importance to the human services, early childhood education or child development and family studies fields. Repeatable for credit by Early Childhood Education and Child Development and Family Studies majors to a maximum of 9 credits. (1-3+0) Offered As Demand Warrants
ECE 270 3 Credits
Practicum II
An advanced guided field experience in working with a group of young children in a school or center. May include teaching in a team situation and working with families. (Prerequisites: ECE 170 and qualified for ENGL 111X.) (.5+variable) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer
ECE 299 1--3 Credits
Practicum for CDAs
A practical application of all previous CDA competency courses. The student will assume responsibility for children in an approved early childhood setting. (CDA curriculum.) (Prerequisite: Qualified for ENGL 111X.) Offered Fall, Spring, Summer
ECE 301 3 Credits
Parents as Partners in Education
Study of strategies that will assist those who work with children and/or families to facilitate supportive partnerships with parents. Includes partnerships, contemporary issues, school and home-based programs, rights and responsibilities, professional ethics, and parents with special or unique needs. (Prerequisite: ECE 245 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006--07.) (1.5+3) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 310 3 Credits
Constructivist Curriculum
A focus on the issues involved in developing constructive curriculum for young children. Includes a foundation in the aims and assumptions of constructivist teaching and key components of this type of curriculum. Emphasis is on best practices for constructivist classrooms. (Prerequisites: ECE 245 and junior standing. Recommended: ECE 130, 210.) (2.5+1) Offered Alternate Fall
ECE 340 3 Credits
Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs
The financial aspects of managing a day care center or preschool program. Includes budgeting, program resource management, marketing, purchasing, pay and compensation, and fee collection issues important to maintaining quality programs for young children. (Prerequisite: ECE 245 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2005--06.) (1+4) Offered Alternate Fall
ECE 341 3 Credits
Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs
Management of personnel of child care programs, including recruitment, hiring, in-service training, staff meetings and communication, supervision, evaluation, motivation, burnout prevention and termination of employees. Focus on maintaining quality programs for young children. (Prerequisite: ECE 245 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2006--07.) (1.5+3) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 342O 3 Credits
Family Relationships
Examination of relationships in contemporary family life. Focus on the changing family, gender roles, living together, and relationships with children and grandchildren. Includes current family research and issues within and effect of public policy on families in our multicultural society. (Prerequisites: COMM 131 or 141X, upper-division standing or permission of instructor.) (3+0) Offered Fall
ECE 360 3 Credits
Assessment in Early Childhood
Examination of policies and practices related to evaluation and assessment of young children's progress. Includes legal, ethical and professional responsibilities in assessment. Exploration of "what, when, why and how" to assess young children. Includes practice and analysis of various assessment styles and tools as well as how to use information gained through assessment. (Prerequisites: ECE 130, 230 and 245; and junior standing. Recommended: ECE 210.) (2.5+1) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 420W 3 Credits
Developing Literacy in the Early Years
Principles and practices in understanding and supporting young children's emerging literacy. Links the importance of oral language and early exploration with later reading and writing skills. Strategies for assisting emergent readers and writers are included, as well as how to use play and children's interests to assist in developing their literacy. (Prerequisites: ENG 111X, 211X or 213X; ECE 310 and 360; and upper-division standing.) (3+0) Offered Fall
ECE 430 3 Credits
Fine Arts for the Early Years (h)
Focused on promoting the arts in children's lives. Explores the role of the teacher in helping children beome aware of the beauty around them and to appreciate the variety and skill of many different kinds of art including: theatre, two and three dimensional art, crafts, vocal and instrumental music, and dance. Strategies for assessing artistic development and working with families are incorporated. (Prerequisites: ECE 310; completion of at least one designated humanities course; and upper-division standing.) (3+0) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 440 3 Credits
Exploring Math and Science
Focused on constructivist teaching of math and science. Explores the role of the teacher in helping children become theory builders in an environment designed to promote learning in math and science. Includes specific examples in chemistry, biology, ecology, numbers, patterns, geometry, measurement and dtata analysis. Emphasis is on teaching children an interactive, analytic and reflective process of inquiry. (Prerequisite: ECE 310 and 360; and upper-division standing. Recommended: completion of at least one natural science course.) (2.5+1) Offered Alternate Fall
ECE 442 3 Credits
Family Resource Management
Management of resources which help families meet and alter the increasing complexities of life. Involves purposeful actions that affect the use of time, money, energy, skills, talents and knowledge. Explores roles, goals and decision-making within our multicultural society throughout the life cycle. (Prerequisite: ECE 245 or PSY 240 and upper-division status, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2005--06.) (1.5+3) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 445W 3 Credits
Adolescence Through the Lifespan
A study of the inter-relationships between early childhood and future development from adolescence through adulthood. Achievement in school, anorexia, chemical dependency and other health issues, family happiness, personal confidence and career success have all been linked to the early years. This course helps students understand these vital connections. (Prerequisite: ECE 245; ENGL 11X and 213X or 211X; and junior standing. Next offered: 2006--07.) (2.5+1) Offered Alternate Spring
ECE 470 3 Credits
Advanced Practicum
An advanced practicum requiring 200 hours of work in an early childhood program or family support agency as a teacher, curriculum specialist, family advocate or in another related position. A capstone course available only to those who have completed the other required coursework for the B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies degree and their designated specialty. (Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of the instructor.) (2.5+1) Offered As Demand Warrants