Early Childhood Education - Certificate B

This course is an introductory course grounded in child development knowledge and the current and historical importance of early childhood education. This course is centered around the NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards.

Prerequisite(s): None

This course presents an overview of observations and curriculum planning in early childhood development and education. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate objective methods for observing and recording children's behavior in group setting. Strategies for observing while fulfilling the role of the teacher will be addressed. This course will also discuss skills necessary to plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum, including organizing space and time, facilitating daily routines and transitions, creating structured group time experiences, and planning for diverse early childhood classrooms. Students will be introduced to the Kansas Early Learning Standards and the Kansas Core Competencies.

Prerequisite(s): None

This course will enable the student to demonstrate an understanding of the basic factors which affect the health, safety and nutrition of young children. Current state regulations and national standards will be examined.

Prerequisite(s): None

This course includes the study of infant and toddler development with emphasis on how to create and maintain developmentally appropriate environments for children aged birth through thirty-six months. Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships will be an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite(s): None

This course is a study of the role of observation to assess and monitor the development and learning of, and the appropriate techniques for interacting with, young children.

Prerequisite(s): None

This course is designed to help the student recognize and apply the Kansas Statutes for licensing while being involved in the early care and education field. This course will provide hands-on experience in a licensed early care and education setting.

Prerequisite(s): None

Young Children with Special Needs defines an inclusive approach to early education. It defines inclusive programs for young children, focusing on research-based, family-centered and multicultural practices. Students focus on the educator’s role in designing and accessing educational resources for exceptional children within the context of collaboration and inclusion. Students will learn the importance of respecting the inherent worth and dignity of the child and the family. The course prepares students for the process of assessment of young children and the importance of early identification of disabilities. Students are introduced to the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and requirements for a 504 Plan.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 Principles of Early Childhood Education

This course will distinguish and discuss the complex characteristics of children’s families and communities in a diverse society. Students will understand and create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support, value, and empower all families to be involved in their children’s development and learning.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 Principles of Early Childhood Education

In this course, students will be introduced to language and literacy development in young children. Students will explore the beginnings of communication and its influence on development from infancy to preschool. The course will offer opportunities for students to be introduce to strategies for working with second-language learners, partnering with families, and recognizing types of communication delays. Students will gain knowledge and skills in achieving language and literacy goals through program planning. The course will allow students the opportunity to learn about children’s literature and how to select books for a variety of language and literacy learning activities for young children.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 Principles of Early Childhood Education

This course is a study of constructing and maintaining an environment for young children that fosters aesthetic sensitivity and creativity. Creative activities include visual arts, dance, music, and dramatic play. The course will focus on the selection, construction, and use of materials, activities, and experiences that encourage the young child’s creativity encompassing all developmental domains and curricular areas.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 Principles of Early Childhood Education