Dr. Janet Foster, Interim Department Head
Room 1160, Education Center
The Department of Early Childhood and Special Education offers three master’s degree options. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program with a major in early childhood education is designed to build upon the professional base of knowledge developed from the undergraduate curriculum. Candidates are expected to refine this base, developing abilities to deal with more of the intricate aspects of the teaching experience.
The department offers a Master of Arts for Teachers (M.A.T.) degree in special education with initial certification in special education adapted curriculum or special education general curriculum. Offered fully online, it is designed for individuals who are seeking a master’s degree and initial certification in special education. Candidates in the M.A.T. program in special education take courses online and must have a non-renewable certificate to teach or be able to spend approximately 20 hours per week in classrooms with children with disabilities. Individuals holding clear/renewable teaching certificates are not eligible for this program.
The department also offers the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program in Special Education for practicing educators who wish to pursue leadership positions as well as those who wish to upgrade their professional skills. The program focuses on the information and skills required of professionals in becoming effective leaders and problem solvers within a variety of settings.
ECED 5010. Student Teaching - Inclusive ECED. 5 Hours.
Prerequisites: Completion of all undergraduate coursework with a grade of "C" or higher and requirements to student teach as listed in the University's Undergraduate Catalog. Co-requisite: ECED 5020. Guided professional experience in an elementary grade (P-5). Student teachers practice teaching and managing a classroom under the supervision of a full-time master teacher and university supervisor in an an off-campus setting. The experience includes observations, participation, teaching, and other activities, which make a direct contribution to an achievement of basic concepts, skills, and principles in the teaching-learning process. A minimum of twenty (20) contact hours per week is required in the school for the entire semester.
ECED 5020. Seminar - Inclusive ECED. 1 Hour.
Co-requisite; ECED 5010. This seminar is a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas relating to the responsibilities of professional ethical practices. Topics include direct intervention issues, advocacy, collaboration, diversity and any others that arise during student teaching.
ECED 6000. Special Topics in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
A study of current issues and concepts in early childhood education. May be repeated under different topics for a total of 6 credit hours with approval of program coordinator.
ECED 6010. Advanced Applications of Numbers, Number Systems, and Operations for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
In-depth applications of mathematics content and pedagogy with emphasis on numbers and number systems, operations, and computational algorithms. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom is required.
ECED 6020. Advanced Applications of Measurement and Geometry for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
In-depth applications of mathematics content and pedagogy with emphasis on measurement and geometry. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom in required.
ECED 6030. Advanced Applications of Algebra and Patterns with Data Analysis and Probability for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
In-depth applications of mathematics content and pedagogy with emphasis of alebraic concepts, pattersn, and data analysis and probability. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom is required.
ECED 6110. Advanced Science Content and Pedagogy in Life Science for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
Integration of pedagogical strategies with science content with emphasis on the major concepts and principles of life science. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom is required.
ECED 6120. Advanced Science Content and Pedagogy in Earth and Space Science for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
Integration of pedagogical strategies with science content with emphasis on the major concepts and principles of earth science and earth in space science. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom is required.
ECED 6130. Advanced Science Content and Pedagogy in Physical Science for K-5 Teachers. 3 Hours.
Integration of pedagogical strategies with science content with emphasis on the major concepts and principles of physical science. An authentic residency in a K-5 classroom is required.
ECED 7210. Assessment in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
A study of the role of assessment in educational change. The course examine alternative evaluation strategies in early childhood education, ethics in assessment, and strategies for acquiring assessment data in the classroom. Interpretation and use of assessment data are emphasized.
ECED 7220. Early Childhood Inclusive Environments. 3 Hours.
Principles for creating effective inclusive learning environments for all children in early childhood education, including children with disabilities. The areas studied include classroom design for visibility, distractibility, and accessibility, and the integration of technology and the use of assistive technology in supporting appropriate programs for young children.
ECED 7230. Teaches as Mentors, Coaches, and Leaders in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
An overview of the current research and leadership strategies to mentor, coach, support, and foster personal and professional growth of preservice and beginning educators.
ECED 7320. Curriculum and Instructional Strategies P-5. 3 Hours.
Review of the content areas in early childhood curriculum. Emphasis is placed on implementation of effective strategies that utilize a variety of resources and technologies to enhance teaching and learning within diverse environments.
ECED 7330. Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
Examination of research, trends, and problems in early childhood education with special reference to professional ethics, mentoring, and various delivery systems for early childhood education programs. Focus is on the impact of relevant federal, state, or local public education issues and trends.
ECED 7340. Action Research in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
An examination of action research as self-reflective, systemic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on better understanding of teaching practice, reflection on current issues and problems, and discussion of questions, data collection, data collection and analysis, and conclusions.
ECED 7420. Child, Family, and Society. 2 Hours.
Examination of the research and dominant theories of human development and sociocultural development within the context of the family, community, and society. strategies for collaboration between home and school will be emphasized, and inter-agency cooperation within the community will be examined in relation to the benefits for young children and their familites. The student will investigate a variety of community agencies serving children and families to enhance and apply an understanding of community resources which support the education of young children.
ECED 7430. Integrating Math, Science, and Technology in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
Explores the integration of curriculum in math, science, and technology. Special emphasis is placed on the utilization of inquiry methods fro enhancing children's ability to analyze, to evaluate, and to make inferences from oral, written, and visual materials. Methodology for developing the skills of problem solving, decision making, and critical and creative thinking skills is explored. The use of computer technology to enhance the math, science, and technology curriculum will be included. The student will plan and implement curricular improvement based on theory and practice examined in the course.
ECED 7540. Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education. 3 Hours.
An examination of how creativity and thinking skills can be developed across the curriculum.
ECED 7550. Differentiating Instruction in P-5 Classrooms. 3 Hours.
Investigation of differentiating content, process, and product (universal design) of Early Childhood Education curriculum to meet the needs of all children.
ECED 8420. Special Topic: International Perspectives in ECE. 3 Hours.
Directed readings in international perspectives in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on the internationa impact of contemporary early childhood education and research on young children in early childhood settings and programs throughout the world.
