Early Childhood Education
ECE F101 Introduction to Early Childhood Profession
3 Credits
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+0.5)
ECE F102 Essentials of Parenting
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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)
ECE F105 Developmentally Appropriate Practice
1 Credit
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 (in the same semester) with the ECE activity classes. (0.75+0.5)
ECE F106 SEED Level I (Alaska System for Early Education Development)
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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)
ECE F110 Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments
3 Credits Offered Spring
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 F112; ECE F113; ECE F114. (3+0)
ECE F111 Nutrition for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Spring
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)
ECE F112 Healthy Environment for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Spring
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 F110 when taken with ECE F113 and ECE F114. (1+0)
ECE F113 Safe Environment for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Spring
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 F110 when taken with ECE F112 and ECE F114. (1+0)
ECE F114 Learning Environments
1 Credit Offered Spring
Space, relationships, materials and routines as resources for constructing interesting, secure and enjoyable environments that encourage play, exploration and learning. Alternative to ECE F110 when taken with ECE F112 and ECE F113. (1+0)
ECE F117 Math Skills for Early Childhood Educators
3 Credits Offered Spring
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Emphasis on applications of computational skills. (Cross-listed with HUMS F117.) (3+0)
ECE F120A Curriculum I
3 Credits Offered Fall
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 F105; ECE F121; ECE F123. (2.5+1)
ECE F120B Curriculum II
3 Credits Offered Spring
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 F122; ECE F124; ECE F125. (2.5+1)
ECE F121 Physical Activities for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Fall
Essentials of creating an environment which provides space, materials, equipment and activities to promote the physical development of children. Note: Alternative to ECE F120A when taken with ECE F105, ECE F123. (1+0)
ECE F122 Cognitive Activities for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Fall
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. Note: Alternative to ECE F120B when taken with ECE F124 and ECE F125. (1+0)
ECE F123 Language and Literature Activities for Young Children
1 Credit Offered Fall
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. Note: Alternative to ECE 120A when taken with ECE F105 and ECE F121. (1+0)
ECE F124 Creative Activities for Young Children
1 Credit
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 F120B when taken with ECE F122 and ECE F125. (1+0)
ECE F125 Math Activities
1 Credit Offered Spring
Overview of how children construct mathematical meanings. Introduction to mathematical learning principles and experiences for children, 3 - 8 years. Alternate to ECE F120B when taken with ECE F122 and ECE F124. Prerequisites: ECE F105 or concurrent enrollment. (1+0)
ECE F126 Activities for School-Age Child Care
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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)
ECE F130 Culture, Learning and the Young Child
2 Credits Offered Fall
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)
ECE F132 Young Child and the Family
1 Credit Offered Spring
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)
ECE F135 Family Day Care Home Provider Training
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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)
ECE F140 Positive Social Development
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Alternative: ECE F141; ECE F142; ECE F143. (2.5+0.5)
ECE F141 Class Management
1 Credit Offered Fall
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 F140 when taken with ECE F142 and ECE F143. (1+0)
ECE F142 Social Development of the Young Child
1 Credit Offered Fall
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 F140 when taken with ECE F141 and ECE F143. (1+0)
ECE F143 Developing Positive Self-Concepts in Young Children
1 Credit Offered Fall
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 F140 when taken with ECE F141 and ECE F142. (1+0)
ECE F170 Practicum I
1 - 3 Credits
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. Alternative: ECE F171, ECE F172, ECE F173. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: ECE F101, ECE F110, ECE F120, ECE F140, ECE F245. (0.5+0)
ECE F171 Program Management
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Alternative to ECE F170 when taken with ECE F172, ECE F173. (1+0)
ECE F172 Professionalism
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Alternative to ECE F170 when taken with ECE F171, ECE F173. (1+0)
ECE F173 Reflective Teaching
1 Credit Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Alternative to ECE F170 when taken with ECE F171, ECE F172. Prerequisites: ECE F101; ECE F110; ECE F120A; ECE F120B; ECE F140; ECE F245. (0+3.5)
ECE F210 Child Development and Guidance
3 Credits Offered Spring
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. Prerequisites: Qualified for ENGL F111X or permission or instructor. (3+0)
ECE F220 Infant and Toddler Care
3 Credits Offered Spring
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 (14 hours) required. Prerequisites: ECE F245 or permission of instructor. (2.5+1)
ECE F230 Introduction to Children with Special Needs
3 Credits Offered Fall
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245; qualified for ENGL F111X; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
ECE F235 Screening, Assessment and Recording
2 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Prerequisites: Qualified for ENGL F111X or permission of instructor. Recommended: ECE F105. (2+0)
ECE F240 Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (s)
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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 F245; qualified for ENGL F111X; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
ECE F242 Child and Family Ecology
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Prerequisites: Qualified for ENGL F111X or permission of instructor. (2.5+1)
ECE F245 Child Development (s)
3 Credits
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. Prerequisites: Qualified for ENGL F111X or permission of instructor. (3+0)
ECE F249 Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
1 - 3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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 nine credits. (1 - 3+0)
ECE F270 Practicum II
3 Credits
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. Special fees apply. Prerequisites: ECE F170 and qualified for ENGL F111X. (0.5+0)
ECE F299 Practicum for CDAs
1 - 3 Credits
A practical application of all previous CDA competency courses. The student will assume responsibility for children in an approved early childhood setting. (CDA curriculum.) Prerequisites: Qualified for ENGL F111X. (0+0)
ECE F301 Parents as Partners in Education
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245 or permission of instructor. (1.5+3)
ECE F310 Constructivist Curriculum
3 Credits Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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 F245; junior standing. Recommended: ECE F130; ECE F210. (2.5+1)
ECE F340 Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245 or permission of instructor. (1+4)
ECE F341 Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245 or permission of instructor. (1.5+3)
ECE F342O Family Relationships
3 Credits Offered Fall
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 F131X or COMM F141X; upper-division standing; or permission of instructor. (3+0)
ECE F360 Assessment in Early Childhood
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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 F130; ECE F230; ECE F245; junior standing. Recommended: ECE F210. (2.5+1)
ECE F420W Developing Literacy in the Early Years
3 Credits Offered Fall
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: ECE F310; ECE F360; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor; upper-division standing. (3+0)
ECE F430 Fine Arts for the Early Years (h)
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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 F310; completion of at least one humanities course; upper-division standing. (3+0)
ECE F440 Exploring Math and Science
3 Credits Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F310; ECE F360; upper-division standing. Recommended: Completion of at least one natural science course. (2.5+1)
ECE F442 Family Resource Management
3 Credits Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245 or PSY F240; upper-division standing; or permission of instructor. (1.5+3)
ECE F445W Adolescence through the Lifespan
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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. Prerequisites: ECE F245; ENGL F111X; ENGL F211X or ENGL F213X or permission of instructor; junior standing. (2.5+1)
ECE F470 Advanced Practicum
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
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. Prerequisites: Senior standing; permission of instructor. (2.5+1)