Early Childhood Education

This course provides an in-depth study of typical growth and development from conception through age 8 with an emphasis on the specific needs and characteristics of each developmental level as described in developmental milestones charts and the NH Early Learning Standards. The experiences in this course will focus attention on how observation, documentation, and assessment can be used to inform understandings about children and the practice of teaching. Focused instruction is given on learning how to observe, document, and analyze children’s thinking and developmental processes. Insights gleaned from this learning will be enhanced by theories and research on child development. Prominent theories of child psychology, including but not limited to Piaget, Erikson, Maslow and Bronfenbrenner, will be introduced.  At least 15 hours of observation of children in childcare settings is required.    Prerequisites: none 

This course takes an in-depth look at the 6 guidelines of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, as described by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), with a strong emphasis on play as the foundation of learning. The course also provides an overview of the field of Early Childhood Education, including the history of child care and current/ future trends in the field. Students will be introduced to the NH Early Learning Standards, the Pyramid Model, and the NH Child Care QRIS system. Observation of two different early learning programs is required. Prerequisites: None

This course focuses on the principles, methods, and materials for teaching emergent literacy and the creative arts through process-oriented experiences.  Understanding of the developmental milestones for creative expression, language, and emergent literacy is emphasized. Developmentally appropriate creative activities will be planned and presented for all activity areas, including art, movement, music, dramatic play, language, and literacy. Emphasis is placed on appropriate use of resources, the interaction of the arts and children's literature, creating supportive environments for diverse children; and family/school relationships.  Students will need access to young children to complete required assignments.  Prerequisites: ECE 100M & ECE 104M 

This course is an introductory practicum that includes observation, participation, and teaching in an infant/toddler setting (students choose to take ECE111M OR ECE 112M as their first practicum). The manner in which a “prepared environment” leads to learning through play and stimulating the development of children will be the focus of the course.  Students will observe the effects of space, equipment, materials, and relationships upon play, learning, and discovery.  Students will plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on the NH Early Learning Standards.  Incorporating and documenting routine care as an integral part of the curriculum will be emphasized. Students will attend a weekly three hour practicum placement at an assigned site as well as a weekly seminar class. Students must pass this course with a C or better to move on to the next practicum course, ECE 202M. Prerequisites: none

This course is an introductory practicum that includes observation, participation, and teaching in a preschool  setting (students choose to take ECE111M OR ECE 112M as their first practicum). The manner in which a “prepared environment” leads to learning through play and stimulating the development of children will be the focus of the course.  Students will observe the effects of space, equipment, materials, and relationships upon play, learning, and discovery.  Students will plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on the NH Early Learning Standards.  Students will attend a weekly three hour practicum placement at an assigned site as well as a weekly seminar class. Students must pass this course with a C or better to move on to the next practicum course, ECE 202M. Prerequisites: none

This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children’s diverse needs, the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting NH Childcare Licensing standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child. Recognition and treatment of child abuse victims will also be addressed. Students will be required to complete 10 online health and safety training modules through the New Hampshire Health & Safety Training Program, which is mandated by the Child Care Licensing Bureau, in order to be eligible to work in any early childhood program. It should be noted that CPR and First Aid information is covered in this course; however, certification is NOT part of the course. Prerequisites: None

This course will focus on the STEAM concepts of creative thinking & problem solving, rather than a collection of facts to be memorized, as a basis for learning in math and science. The theoretical and developmental knowledge necessary to effectively teach the basic concepts of math and science to young children will be reviewed. Students will develop their skills in preparing developmentally appropriate activities that promote curiosity, creativity, problem solving and exploration. The interrelationships between math, science and other areas of the curriculum (particularly literacy and the arts) will be explored. Students will need access to young children to complete required assignments. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE100M & ECE104M.

The course will focus on the unique characteristics of young children with disabilities, delays, and/or risks and their families, including communication disorders, sensory impairments, physical and health related disabilities, child abuse, stress, and trauma.   Room arrangement plans, accommodations and modifications based on unique learning characteristics will be explored.  Screening, assessment, early intervention, individual education plans, inclusive education, community resources and family issues will also be presented and discussed. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE 100M, ECE 104M 

The Student Teaching Practicum requires that students spend a minimum of 117 hours in a college – approved early childhood facility under guided supervision of the classroom teacher (approximately 9 hours/week).  Students will bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying theoretical knowledge and developmentally appropriate methodology in their work with young children. Students will assume increasing responsibility for teaching and classroom management throughout the semester, culminating in a week-long experience in which the student takes the role of the lead teacher in planning and implementing the curriculum, and will be formally observed by the college instructor at least 3 times.   Weekly seminars are scheduled to discuss issues of appropriate practice, discipline, lesson plans, observations, and other concerns. Students are required to experience two different age groups and two different settings across the two senior level practicum courses (ECE 202M & ECE 212M). Note that a grade of C or better is required in this class in order to move on to the final practicum, ECE 212M. A Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription is required. Prerequisites: ECE100M, ECE104M, and a grade of C or better in ECE111M or ECE112M. 

This course focuses on developmentally appropriate care and education of infants and toddlers, birth to age three, in group settings. Following a review of infant/toddler development, students will be introduced to evidenced-based practices including responsive relationship-based caregiving, routines as curriculum, the importance of play-based learning, and collaborative relationships with families. Students will learn about age appropriate environments, materials and activities, and teaching/guidance techniques based upon the standards of NAEYC and the NH Bureau of Child Care Licensing regulations. Community Service will be a part of the course with students expected to observe/volunteer in an infant and/or toddler program for 8 hours. Prerequisites:  ECE 100M & ECE104M or permission of the instructor

This course will focus on how children develop within the context of their family, school/center, community and society, with a special emphasis on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. In addition to theoretical, students will study the cultural and generational perspectives, as well as a variety of other influences on the child and family. Through the use of evidence-based practices, students will focus on the benefits, barriers and strategies to partner with and engage families in their child’s education. Emphasis will be on the development of advocacy skills as students learn about community resources and family needs. A community service project will be required. Students are required to purchase a TASKSREAM electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE100M, ECE104M.

Typically taken during the student’s last semester, this course will provide students with an opportunity to build on the knowledge gained in their previous coursework and practica by moving from a thematic focused curriculum planning process in ECE202 to an Emergent Curriculum approach. Students will study the Reggio Emelia approach to teaching and learning and will plan lessons and a unit focused on the principle of children being collaborative partners in their learning. In addition, students will practice and develop professional teaching skills such as observing, analyzing, classroom management, working as a part of a team, and self-reflection under the mentorship of classroom teachers. Students will complete a minimum of 117 hours of teaching in a college-approved early childhood setting. Students are required to purchase a TASKSTREAM electronic portfolio subscription.

Course Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: C or better in ECE 202M.

The emphasis of this course is on the role of positive child guidance in preparing young children to become competent, confident and cooperative individuals. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL) pyramid model will serve as the conceptual framework for evidence-based practices and intervention approaches. The course will focus on three main overarching themes: promotion of all children’s social and emotional development, prevention strategies for at risk children, and individual & intensive interventions for children with persistent challenges. Access to an Early Childhood program is required in order to complete an ongoing and in-depth case study. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE 100M & ECE 104M

This course is designed to provide an overview of the skills and techniques required to effectively manage early care and education programs.  Topics include program philosophy, policies and procedures, business planning, personnel and fiscal management, and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Students explore diverse programs available to the community and examine state and federal licensing regulations, as well as national accreditation standards.  Students critically analyze the degree to which financial issues of marketing, accounting, and funding affect the management of the center or family childcare home.  In addition, students identify components of a healthy organization that manages people and resources in a positive, supportive manner.  This course is required by NH State licensing rules for center directors.  Prerequisite: ECE 100M and ECE 104M or Permission of the instructor