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 children 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 needed to care 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
An 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 instruction 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 and healthy learning
environments. Space, relationships, materials and routines are explored as
resources for constructing interesting, secure and enjoyable environments that
encourage safe and 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 Educators
(Cross-listed with HUMS 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 Spring
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. (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 242 3
Credits
Child and Family Ecology
Examines the influences the family has on the child, family
dynamics and issues impacting families. Focus on the importance of understanding
relationship building, support for families and interpersonal skill development
that is culturally conducive with individual communities. Examines the ECE
program's policies and procedures on families and parental involvement.
Includes practical applications of course reading and content. (Prerequisite:
Qualified for ENGL 111X or permission of the instructor.) (2.5 + 1) 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:
2008-09.) (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. Next
offered: 2008-09.) (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: 2007-08.) (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: 2008-09.) (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 131X 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. Next offered: 2007-08.) (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 become 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. Next offered: 2008-09.) (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 data 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. Next offered: 2007-08.) (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: 2007-08.) (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 111X and 213X or 211X; and junior standing. Next
offered: 2008-09.) (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 course work 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