EDUCATION
EDU 119 - Intro to Early Child Education
4 credits
This course introduces the foundations of early childhood education, the diverse educational settings for young children, professionalism and planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences for each child. Topics include theoretical foundations, national early learning standards, NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, state regulations, program types, career options, professionalism, ethical conduct, quality inclusive environments, and curriculum responsive to the needs of each child/family. Upon completion, students should be able to design a career/professional development plan, and appropriate environments, schedules, and activity plans. This course requires classroom and/or program visitations and observations. (Offered fall, spring and summer semesters)
EDU 131 - Child, Family, and Community
3 credits
This course covers the development of partnerships among culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing and supporting respectful relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate relationship building strategies between diverse families, children birth through adolescence, schools, and communities and demonstrate a variety of communication skills including appropriate use of technology to support every child. This course requires a minimum of 5 hours of volunteer service in a classroom or program setting. A course fee is required. (Offered fall and spring semesters)
EDU 144 - Child Development I
3 credits
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from conception through approximately 36 months. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. This course requires students to conduct a child case study working with a child including observations and interviews. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement pre-major and/or elective course requirement. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 145 - Child Development II
3 credits
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. This course requires students to complete a child portfolio, working with a child age 3-8 involving observations and interviews, and a final parent/teacher conference. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement pre-major and/or elective course requirement. A course fee is required. (Offered spring semester)
EDU 146 - Child Guidance
3 credits
This course introduces evidence-based strategies to build nurturing relationships with each child by applying principles and practical techniques to facilitate developmentally appropriate guidance. Topics include designing responsive/supportive learning environments, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic influences on behavior, appropriate expectations, the importance of communication with children/families including using technology and the use of formative assessments in establishing intentional strategies for children with unique needs. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate direct/indirect strategies to encourage social skills, self-regulation, emotional expression and positive behaviors while recognizing the relationship between children's social, emotional and cognitive development. This course requires observations in a preschool classroom. A course fee is required. (Offered fall and spring semester)
EDU 149 Autism Technical Concepts
3 credits
This course is an introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders and the skills and competencies needed to work within programs and facilities providing supervised services to persons diagnosed with ASD. Topics include knowledge of characteristics and services, evidence based practices to address social, behavioral, educational, developmental and communication needs through appropriate assessment, planning, implementation of services, and strategies for effective family/community engagement and advocacy for persons with ASD. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of ASD, application of techniques and interventions used when working with the ASD population, understanding of how to write and implement plans to provide approved documentation, and provide hands-on experiences within programs or facilities serving persons with ASD.
EDU 187 Teaching and Learning for All
4 credits
This course introduces students to knowledge, concepts, and best practices needed to provide developmentally appropriate, effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive educational experiences in the classroom. Topics include growth and development, learning theory, student motivation, teaching diverse learners, classroom management, inclusive environments, student-centered practices, instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, observation/assessment techniques, educational planning, reflective practice, collaboration, cultural competence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership. Students are required to complete 10 field experience hours in an approved classroom. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the knowledge, skills, roles, and responsibilities of an effective educator as defined by state and national professional teaching standards. (Offered spring semester)
EDU 151 - Creative Activities
3 credits
This course introduces developmentally supportive creative learning environments with attention to divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, evidence-based teaching practices, and open-ended learning materials while applying NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Emphasis is placed on observation of process-driven learning experiences in art, music, creative movement, dance, and dramatics for every young child age birth through eight, integrated through all domains and academic content. Upon completion, students should be able to examine, create, and adapt developmentally creative learning materials, experiences, and environments for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. This course requires visitations to and observations of community organizations that relate to creative arts. A course fee is required. (Offered fall and spring semesters)
EDU 153 - Health, Safety and Nutrition
3 credits
This course covers promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of every child. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines, common childhood illnesses, maintaining safe and healthy learning environments, health benefits of active play, recognition and reporting of abuse/neglect, and state regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply knowledge of NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development for health, safety, nutritional needs and safe learning environments. This course emphasizes evidence-based practices and strategies. (Offered fall and spring semesters)
EDU 157 - Active Play
3 credits
This course introduces physical activities to promote the development of the whole child, birth through middle childhood. Topics include active play, outdoor learning, design of the environment, development of play skills, loose parts play, nature play, risk benefit assessment, advocacy, and family/community connection. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the stages of play, the role of teachers in play, active play environments, advocate for the child's right to play, and plan and assess appropriate experiences using NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. This course requires classroom visitations, observations, and at least one half-day of training for Be Active Kids. A course fee is required. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 184 - Early Childhood Intro Practicum
2 credits
Prerequisites: EDU 119
This course introduces students to early childhood settings and applying skills in a three-star (minimum) or NAEYC accredited or equivalent, quality early childhood environment. Emphasis is placed on observing children and assisting in the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities/environments for all children; and modeling reflective/professional practices. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate developmentally appropriate interactions with children and ethical/professional behaviors as indicated by assignments and onsite faculty visits.This course requires 48 hours of practicum experience in a preschool classroom. A course fee is required. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 216 - Foundations of Education
3 credits
This course introduces the examination of the American educational systems and the teaching profession. Topics include the historical and philosophical influences on education, various perspectives on educational issues, and experiences in birth through grade 12 classrooms. Upon completion, students should be able to reflect on classroom observations, analyze the different educational approaches, including classical/traditional and progressive, and have knowledge of the various roles of educational systems at the federal, state and local level. This course emphasizes evidence-based practices and strategies that support all children and families as well as observations and/or interviews in public schools. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement pre-major and/or elective course requirement. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 221 - Children with Exceptionalities
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDU 144 and EDU 145
This course covers atypical patterns of child development, inclusive/diverse settings, evidenced-based educational/family plans, differentiated instruction, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of exceptionalities and delays, early intervention/special education, transitions, observation, developmental screening, formative assessment of children, and collaborating with families and community partners. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize diverse abilities, describe the referral process, identify community resources, explain the importance of collaboration with families/professionals, and develop appropriate strategies/adaptations to support children in all environments with best practices as defined by laws, policies and the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. This course requires classroom visitations and observations. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement pre-major and/or elective course requirement. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 234 - Infants, Toddlers and Twos
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDU 119
This course covers the development of high-quality, individualized, responsive/engaging relationships and experiences for infants, toddlers, and twos. Emphasis is placed on typical and atypical child development, working with diverse families to provide positive, supportive, and engaging early learning activities and interactions through field experiences and the application of the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate responsive curriculum planning, respectful relationships and exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate experiences/materials that support a foundation for healthy development and growth of culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children birth to 36 months. This course requires observations and interviews, as well as 15 hours of practical experience in an infant/toddler/twos classroom. (Offered spring and summer semester)
EDU 250 - Teacher Licensure Preparation
3 credits
Corequisites: Take One Set:
Set 1: ENG-111 and MAT-143
Set 2: ENG-111 and MAT-152
Set 3: ENG-111 and MAT-171
This course provides information and strategies necessary for transfer to a teacher licensure program at a senior institution. Topics include entry level teacher licensure exam preparation, performance based assessment systems, requirements for entry into teacher education programs, the process to become a licensed teacher in North Carolina, and professionalism including expectations within the field of education. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize educational terminology and demonstrate knowledge of teacher licensure processes including exam preparation, technology based portfolio assessment, and secondary admissions processes to the school of education at a senior institution. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 251 - Exploration Activities
3 credits
This course covers fundamental concepts in the content areas of science, technology, engineering, math and social studies through investigative experiences. Emphasis is placed on exploring fundamental concepts, developmentally appropriate scope and sequence, and teaching strategies to engage each child in the discovery approach. Upon completion, students should be able to understand major concepts in each content area and implement appropriate experiences for young children. A course fee is required. (Offered fall semester)
EDU 259 - Curriculum Planning
3 credits
This course is designed to focus on using content knowledge to build developmentally effective approaches for culturally/linguistically/ability diverse young children. Topics include components of curriculum, a variety of curriculum models, authentic observation and assessment, and planning developmentally appropriate experiences aligned with the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Upon completion, students should be able to understand, evaluate, and use curriculum to plan for individual/group needs. (Offered spring semester)
EDU 261 - Early Childhood Administration I
3 credits
Corequisites: EDU 119
This course introduces principles and practices essential to preparing and supporting child care administrators. Topics include program philosophy, policies and procedures, NC Child Care Law and Rules, business planning, personnel and fiscal management, and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administration. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate a developmentally appropriate program philosophy, locate current state licensing regulations, analyze a business plan and examine comprehensive program policies and procedures. (Offered fall semester - 1st 8-weeks)
EDU 262 - Early Childhood Administration II
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDU 119 and EDU 261
This course focuses on advocacy/leadership, public relations/community outreach and program quality/evaluation for diverse early childhood programs. Topics include program evaluation/accreditation, involvement in early childhood professional organizations, leadership/mentoring, family, volunteer and community involvement and early childhood advocacy. Upon completion, students should be able to define and evaluate all components of early childhood programs, develop strategies for advocacy and integrate community into programs. (Offered fall semester - 2nd 8-weeks)
EDU 279 Literacy Development and Instruction
4 credits
This course is designed to provide students with concepts and skills of literacy development, instructional methods/materials and assessment techniques needed to provide scientifically based, systematic reading and writing instruction into educational practice. Topics include literacy concepts, reading and writing development, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, culturally-responsive instruction, standards-based outcomes, lesson planning, formative/summative assessment, recognizing reading difficulties, research-based interventions, authentic learning experiences, classroom implementation, and reflective practice. This course requires field experience in a classroom setting. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, assess, evaluate, and demonstrate developmentally appropriate literacy instruction aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study and other state and national standards.
EDU 280 - Language/ Literacy Experiences
3 credits
This course provides evidence-based strategies for enhancing language and literacy experiences that align with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Topics include developmental sequences for children's emergent receptive and expressive language, print concepts, appropriate observations/assessments, literacy enriched environments, quality selection of diverse literature, interactive media, and inclusive practices. Upon completion, students should be able to select, plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate language and literacy experiences for children who are culturally, linguistically and ability diverse. This course requires at least 12 hours of field experience in a classroom setting. A course fee is required. (Offered spring semester)
EDU 284 - Early Child Capstone Practicum
4 credits
Prerequisites: EDU 119, EDU 144, EDU 145, EDU 146 and EDU 151
This course is designed to allow students to demonstrate acquired skills in a three-star (minimum) or NAEYC accredited or equivalent, quality early childhood environment. Emphasis is placed on designing, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities and environments for all children; supporting/engaging families; and modeling reflective and professional practices based on national and state guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to apply NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development to demonstrate developmentally appropriate plans/assessments, appropriate guidance techniques and ethical/professional behaviors, including the use of appropriate technology, as indicated by assignments and onsite faculty assessments. This course requires 160 hours of practicum within an early childhood classroom. (Offered spring semester)