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.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Early Childhood (ECHD 101) or permission of instructor.
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 PROGRAMS 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: Introduction to Early Childhood (ECHD 101) or permission of instructor.
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 examines the importance of observation, assessment, and documentation of young children’s development from birth to age five. Students will be introduced to and apply various forms of assessment methods, and understand the value of such assessments as a tool for informing teaching practices, and developing appropriate curriculum goals to ensure optimal growth and learning for young children. ECHD majors only.
Prerequisites: ECHD 101, ECHD 125, ECHD 131, ECHD 250, PSYC 220
Corequisites: ECHD 201
ECHD 250 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Fall, 3 credit hours GER 3
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.
ECHD 285 ISSUES & POLICIES IN EARLY CARE & 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 or SOCI 101 or PSYC 101 or permission of instructor
ECHD 301 FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS IN EC PROGRAMS
Spring, 3 credit hours
This course explores the importance and benefits of establishing a partnership between teacher, parent, and the early care and education program. Topics will include ways in which to create and build a sense of community, the importance of open communication, and understanding diverse families and parental needs. Forms of parent engagement and involvement, and the benefits of creating reciprocal and respectful relationships for all involved in the care and development of the young child will be studied. Students will examine their role in assisting families with understanding child development, play-based curriculum, appropriate expectations, and additional topics to ensure a collaborative, supportive, and enjoyable childcare experience for children, teachers, and families.
Prerequisite: ECHD 101
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, assessment, and accreditation criteria throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Early Childhood (ECHD 101) , Wellness in Young Children (ECHD 121), Planning Programs for Young Children (ECHD 200) 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, ECHD 250; 45 credit hours 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 meet the needs of the developing young child, and the behavioral challenges typically associated with this unique stage of development. Students will examine acceptable methods and approaches to assist young children with problem solving skills and self-control that are positive and developmentally appropriate. The course will focus on individual and classroom strategies and solutions for establishing, and maintaining, a positive and cooperative classroom.
Prerequisite: Infants and Toddlers (ECHD 131), Children with Special Needs (ECHD 250), Child Development (PSYC 220) 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 TO CULMINATING EXPERIENCE: EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND MANAGMENT
Fall, 1 credit hour
This course prepares students for their internship experience or senior capstone project in Early Childhood Care and Management. Students will become familiar with the process for selecting and securing an internship site, the necessary skills and behaviors to be successful, and internship requirements. Students will learn how to prepare an appropriate resume and cover letter, and receive guidance on interviewing techniques. If a student selects the senior capstone project, the course will provide information on requirements to satisfy the completion of the project. Students will begin the planning phase of the capstone assignment.
Prerequisite: Senior level status, or permission of instructor
ECHD 410 INTERNSHIP: EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND MANAGEMENT
Spring, 3-12 credit hours
This internship course provides the student with practical experience in an early childhood care and management setting. Students will integrate principles of management and administration and concepts and skills learned throughout their BBA course of study in a childcare facility. The internship will be tailored to the individual career interests of the student and the needs of the supervising organization. Internship proposals must be presented and approved prior to course registration.
Prerequisite: ECHD 409, senior level status in Early Childhood Care and Management and an overall 2.50 GPA, or permission of the instructor
ECHD 411 CAPSTONE PROJECT: EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND MANAGEMENT
Spring, 3-15 credit hours
Students will complete a senior research project based on their area of interest in Early Childhood Care and Management and career goal. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, the student will submit a research proposal, conduct research, prepare a thesis style report, and present a defense to a thesis committee.
Prerequisite: ECHD 409 and senior level status in Early Childhood Care and Management; 2.50 overall GPA, or permission of the instructor
ECHD 420 EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM AND DEVELOPMENT
Fall, 3 credit hours
This course focuses on the role and responsibilities of the child care 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: Completion of 45 credit hours 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.