Early Childhood ZS General and Special Education Endorsement

Focuses on typical and atypical developmental milestones of physical, cognitive, language, and social/emotional development of children from birth to age 12 with a focus on the preschool years. Theories of child development and contributions of theorists are reviewed in the context of application to developmental milestones. The effects that multiple, interrelated environmental factors have on the growth and development of the child will be explored. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check, DHS clearance

Focuses on developmentally appropriate, ethical assessment of preschool children. Students will participate in hands-on child evaluation and practice developing assessment documents for parents and institutions for the purposes of determining current levels of functioning and directing curriculum development. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of the referral process for IEPs and IFSPs, and the roles of the teachers, parents and helping professional in these processes. Course assignments demonstrating subject matter and content application are required. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
ECE 1110, Student background check, DHS clearance

Focuses on developmental milestones for children birth through 35 months in cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional domains, including typical and atypical development. Provides an intense look at methods of designing and implementing appropriate programs, including curriculum and assessment, physical space adaptations, and parent/school/community partnerships. Review of applicable early intervention procedures, including IEPs and IFSPs is explored. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check, DHS clearance

Concurrent requisite(s):
ECE 2020

Focuses on developmentally appropriate interactions between adults and children birth through 35 months in and infant/toddler ECSE, or licensed infant or toddler program. Field work components will include a focus on relationship building, environmental structure and professionalism in infant/toddler environments. Includes 30 hours of fieldwork. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check, DHS clearance

Concurrent requisite(s):
ECE 2010

Focuses on developmentally appropriate design of curricula that promotes the growth and development of the preschool child (ages 3 and 4) with curricular connections to early elementary. Differentiation for special needs is reviewed. Curricular domains covered are aesthetic, affective, cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional. Course assignments demonstrating subject matter and content application are required. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
ECE 1650, Student background check, DHS clearance

Focuses on information and strategies that can be used by teachers to encourage parents to work in partnership with schools. Promoting holistic child development with the parent in the role of the teacher in the home and community with the teacher as support to the parent is explored. The teacher's role as a child advocate through mandated reporting for child abuse or neglect and family advocate through the IEP/IFSP process is reviewed. Course assignments demonstrating subject matter and content application are required. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
ECE 1110, Student background check, DHS clearance

Focuses on knowledge of characteristics and classifications of common delays, impairments, and disabilities. Tools of assessment and methods of referral for young children demonstrating atypical development with an emphasis on the goals and benefits of developmentally appropriate assessment is explored. IFSP, IEP, early intervention, and legal issues surrounding these topics will be featured. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
ECE 1650, Student background check, DHS clearance

Focuses on multiple influences on child growth and development through cross content curricular applications with a focus on health, safety, and nutrition. Students will recognize themselves within the framework of the professional community of early childhood educators. Licensing, regulation, and program administration issues will be highlighted. This is the capstone course for students seeking the ZS teaching endorsement. Course assignments demonstrating subject matter and pedagogical knowledge are required. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Accepted into an Education Program

Focuses on planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate, child-centered classroom environment across curricular and developmental domains. Students will demonstrate competence in child assessment, group guidance, advocacy, peer collaboration, and parent communication. 15 hours of lecture and 120 hours of lead teaching in a pre-school program with special needs students is required. Course assignments demonstrating subject matter and content application are required. Must complete with a C or better in order to complete the Teacher Preparation Program.

Prerequisite(s):
ECE 2510, EDU 2010, Student background check

Requires candidates to participate in a minimum of 240 hours in P-12 classrooms student teaching at the appropriate grade level as approved by the Dean. Also includes 30 hours with a supervisor working on instructional strategies and planning. Must complete with a C or better.

Prerequisite(s):
Acceptance into an Education program