Early Childhood
ECHD 101 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD
Fall, 3 credit hours GER 3
An overview of the history, theories, and philosophies that form the foundation of Early Care and Education. All aspects of development (physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and communication) are presented and studied within an ecological context (family, community, culture, society). Specific emphasis is placed on understanding the various roles/responsibilities early childhood educators have in fostering the well-being and development of young children birth-5 years. Three hours lecture per week.
ECHD 105 Orientation to the Field Experience in Early Childhood
Fall, 3 credit hours
The Early Childhood Orientation will prepare students for field work experiences in various Early Childhood settings. Students will become familiar with field work requirements, policies, and procedures. Students will prepare for and complete mandatory health clearances, NYS Office for Children Forms, complete the Foundations in Health and Safety Training, and file all required documents and contracts based on placement sites. Students will become acclimated to the SUNY Canton Early Childhood Field Experience guidelines and understand the role of the college supervisor, site mentor and the responsibilities and expectations of the student. By the end of the course all students will have confirmation of their Field Experience placement site. ECHD Majors only
Prerequisites: Introduction to Early Childhood (ECHD 101)
Corequisites: Curriculum Development (ECHD 125)
ECHD 121 WELLNESS IN YOUNG CHILDREN: PROMOTING HEALTH, SAFETY, NUTRITION
Fall, 3 credit hours
In this course, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for ensuring the well-being of the young child. The course focuses on the role of the teacher in creating and incorporating health, safety, and nutrition programs and activities in early childhood settings to support children’s development, healthy lifestyle practices, and learning.
ECHD 125 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Fall, 3 credits
In this course, students will examine curriculum methods in early care and education. Students will create and implement thematic lessons and activities to promote the skill development of the whole child. Special emphasis will be given to the process of curriculum development, developmentally appropriate methods, child-centered planning, and active play-based learning experiences for young children, birth - age 5.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101 and restricted to Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699)
ECHD 131 INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course students, will gain an understanding of the developmental milestones and needs of the young child from infancy to age three. This course will explore the core competencies of the infant-toddler caregiver and the caregiver and family relationship. Students will identify and apply best practices for providing optimal high quality care for infants and toddlers.
ECHD 200 PLANNING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course, students will gain knowledge of key components that make up a high- quality early childhood setting. Students will examine the importance of a program philosophy, family involvement, home-school communication, learning centers, scheduling, and state child care licensing regulations. Principles of program planning related to high quality early care and education, administration, and leadership will be applied.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101, ECHD 125 and restricted to Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699)
ECHD 201 STUDENT TEACHING FIELD EXPERIENCES
Spring, 4 credit hours
This course is an off campus practicum in early childhood. Students are assigned to a licensed group childcare center, family childcare program, pre-k, or kindergarten setting. Students will complete an 80-hour student teaching experience in two group settings with children ages birth -36 months and children ages 3 -5 years. Under the direct supervision of an assigned mentor, students will apply knowledge and skills acquired through coursework with a focus on child observation, development, implementation of age appropriate curriculum plans, and activities. Students will attend a weekly 50-minute seminar and participate in workshops led by the student teaching college supervisor.
Prerequisites: ECHD 101, ECHD 121, ECHO 125, ECHO 131. Minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and permission of the ECHD Program Coordinator.
Corequisites: ECHD 204
ECHD 204 EARLY CHILDHOOD OBSERVATION
Spring, 3 credit hours
This course introduces students to observation, assessment, and documentation of young children’s development from birth to age five. Students will gain an understanding of methods utilized for recording children's development and how assessment informs instruction and programming. The course emphasizes ethical observation, appropriate assessment methods, and the influence of family, culture, and environment on child development.
Prerequisites: Early Childhood Major (1327) or Early Childhood Care & Management Major (2699) and ECHD 101, ECHD 105, ECHD 121, ECHD 125, ECHD 131 or permission of instructor.
ECHD 250 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Fall, 3 credit hours GER 7
In this course, students will examine various special needs of young children. Students will gain knowledge of inclusive practices, teaching modifications, prevention and intervention strategies, and support services for children, families, and the community. Assessment, identification, and general knowledge of the special needs of all children will be examined, as well as social policies and initiatives to support teachers, families, and children.
Prerequisites: Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Studies Minor or permission of instructor.
ECHD 285 ISSUES and POLICIES IN EARLY CARE and EDUCATION
Fall, 3 credit hours
In this course, students will draw from academic, life, and coursework to explore current issues and policies in the field of early education and care. Social issues impacting the well-being of children, families, and the community will be explored. Students will research issues and investigate approaches to resolving some of these challenges.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101, ECHD 101, SOCI 101 or PSYC 101. Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Studies Minor, or permission of instructor.
ECHD 301 FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS IN Early Childhood PROGRAMS
Spring, 3 credit hours
This course examines the importance of establishing partnerships between early childhood educators and families. Students will explore strategies to foster connections with families and promote inclusive practices. Topics include classroom community building, family engagement, communication, and the importance of creating and maintaining reciprocal and respectful relationships with families. Students will examine the educator’s role in supporting families understanding of child development, play-based curriculum, and practices that promote a collaborative and supportive environment for all involved in the care and education of young children.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101, Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Studies Minor, or permission of instructor
ECHD 302 MULTI-CULTURAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course examines the role and responsibility of the early childhood professional in creating a culturally responsive and inclusive classroom environment. Anti-bias curriculum methods, activities, multi-cultural literacy, and meaningful ways to create a welcoming and supportive environment that honors and celebrates families, children, and teachers will be studied. This course will examine inclusive polices, and emphasize the importance of supporting children’s social learning regarding acceptance, tolerance, and respect for self and others.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101; ECHD 125 or permission of instructor.
ECHD 303 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: INDOORS & OUT
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course examines the importance of physical activity for the developing child. Students will research the value of such active play experiences, and the effect physical engagement has on learning, and health. Students will explore ways to incorporate movement activities into classroom schedules and lessons to best meet the needs of the young child. The outdoor space, viewed as an extension of the classroom, will be studied. Students will create and engage in movement activities throughout the course.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101; ECHD 101; PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
ECHD 304 STEM IN THE EARLY YEARS
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course focuses on integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in early childhood settings and curriculum. Young children acquire STEM skills through exploration, inquiry, and active engagement. Topics will include methods for promoting scientific discovery and learning, integrating science and technology, developing mathematical concepts, and facilitating active experimentation and engagement in the early childhood classroom. Basic components of STEM and effective ways to incorporate STEM into curriculum and everyday activities with young children will be studied.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
ECHD 306 Purposeful Play-Based Learning
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the value of intentional and purposeful teaching strategies supported through meaningful play-based experiences for the young child. Students will develop learning plans, design primary classroom spaces that support playful engagement, and explore play-based curriculum to best support the developmental needs and milestones of children, birth – age 5.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101
ECHD 310 Literacy Activities Across the Curriculum
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course students will develop an understanding of high-quality literacy experiences for the early childhood classroom. Beyond story reading, active engagement with books can provide a foundation for developing and integrating a curriculum and activities that support all aspects of child development and learning. Purposeful and intentional teaching methods will be shared, featuring a selection of popular children’s literature.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101
ECHD 312 Eric Carle and Early Childhood
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
In this course students will study renowned children’s author Eric Carle [1929-2021]and the 70+ books created throughout his career as a self-proclaimed “picture writer”. Students will explore many of Carle’s story books as well as his unique art form as an illustrator. Students will discover the inspiration and meaning behind several of Eric Carle’s children’s books and how each can provide a foundation for creating activities and engaging curriculum in the early childhood classroom.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101
ECHD 340 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTINGS
Fall, 3 credit hours
This course examines childcare licensing regulations. Students will gain knowledge of state mandated policies and procedures pertaining to health and safety, children’s programming, staffing, and the physical environment. Students will research and develop policies according to state childcare mandates and apply methods of childcare program evaluation criteria throughout the course.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101, ECHD 121 and restricted to Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Minor, or permission of instructor.
ECHD 401 DEVLOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE: LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS INFANTS - AGE 5
Spring, 3 credit hours
This course focuses on creating quality early learning environments for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Students will research and apply concepts of developmentally appropriate practice related to purposeful and intentional curriculum activities and learning centers within the early care and education environment. Students will gain knowledge of the value of play-based learning centers that engage, challenge, and promote the development of the young child.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101, ECHD 125, Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Studies Minor, or permission of instructor
ECHD 402 EARLY LITERACY & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course expands on students’ knowledge of language and literacy development in young children. Students explore the four broad interrelated areas of early childhood language arts – speaking (oral), listening, writing, and reading. The course provides strategies for enhancing language/literacy experiences in a literacy –rich environment that engages children in developmentally appropriate language arts experiences.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
ECHD 403 FAMILY CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Fall/Spring, 3 credit hours
This course examines the Family Child Care profession. Students are introduced to state polices and regulations for establishing a quality early care and education home-based center. Students will gain an understanding of the challenges and rewards of this unique small business. Topics include policy, procedures, and contract development, multi-age curriculum planning, and home-based child care space design, to best meet the needs of the child care provider, and families and children served.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101; ECHD 121 or permission of instructor.
ECHD 404 POSITIVE CHILD GUIDANCE
Fall, 3 credit hours
This course provides students with an understanding of how to support and address the needs of the young child and the behavioral challenges commonly associated in early childhood. Students will explore appropriate positive guidance strategies that foster self-control, problem-solving, and social-emotional competence. Emphasis is placed on effective approaches for guiding both individual and group behavior, with practical strategies for establishing and maintaining a respectful, cooperative early childhood setting.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101; ECHD 131, PSYC 101 and PSYC 220; Early Childhood Major (1327), Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Early Childhood Studies Minor, Child Care Microcredential, or permission of instructor
ECHD 405 E-MENTOR: TEACHER AS TRAINER
Fall, 3 credit hours
This course explores the Early Childhood Program Administrator’s role as both mentor and facilitator of teacher development. Students will gain an understanding of quality professional training for early care and education providers that are meaningful and relevant in promoting the professional competencies of the individual and program quality. Various professional development models and training practices will be studied and applied.
Prerequisite: Completion of 45 credit hours or permission of instructor
ECHD 409 Orientation Internship: Early Childhood Care and Management
Fall/Spring, 1 credit hour
This course informs and prepares students for the Bachelor of Business Administration in Early Childhood Care and Management internship. Students will examine the requirements and options available for the internship experience. Students will develop professional career documents, including a resume and cover letter.
Prerequisite: Early Childhood Management Major (2699), Senior Level Status, or permission of instructor.
ECHD 410 INTERNSHIP: EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND MANAGEMENT
Fall/Spring, 3-9 credit hours
This internship course offers students practical experience in early childhood care and management settings. Students will apply principles of management and administration, along with concepts and skills learned throughout their BBA studies in an early childhood program or organization. The internship experience will be customized to align student career goals and the needs of the organization. All internship proposals must be submitted and approved prior to course registration.
Prerequisite: ECHD 409, Early Childhood Major (2699), senior level status and overall, 2.50 GPA, or permission of instructor.
ECHD 411 Senior Seminar
Spring, 3-15 credit hours
This interdisciplinary capstone course integrates content from Business, Management, and Early Childhood courses. Students will broaden their understanding of topics related to the childcare industry and field from a political, societal, and economic perspective. Students will engage in research applicable to their interests, professional development, career, and future education.
Prerequisite: Senior level status in Early Childhood Care and Management; 2.50 overall GPA, or or permission of the instructor.
ECHD 420 Early Childhood Program Development and Management
Fall, 3 credit hours
This course focuses on the role and responsibilities of the childcare program administrator. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities, demands, and rewards of such a position. Topics will include organizational and personnel management, human relations, quality programming and evaluation, and professional standards associated with leading an early care and education center.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101, ECHD 121. Early Childhood Management Major (2699) or permission of instructor.
ECHD 291-295, 391-395, OR 491-495 SPECIAL TOPICS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Fall/Spring, 1-4 credit hours
Individual courses of instruction of variable credit (1–4 credits) may be offered each semester. These courses are designed to expand on topics in specific areas of early childhood. Prerequisite: depends on the nature of each course.