Early Childhood Education

Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals in action. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Introduces basic concepts of equitable health, safety, and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care and education programs. Requirements as outlined in Chare Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) and state licensing standards for child care providers will be covered including the knowledge and skills to ensure appropriate health, nutritional, and safety practices. In addition, the course will emphasize the skills necessary to recognize signs of child maltreatment, the educator’s role as a mandated reporter and the process of identifying and referring families to available community resources. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

This course will provide students an opportunity to focus on, develop and apply best practice for engaging in nurturing, supportive relationships with children, families, and professional peers in an early learning setting. Students will apply and additional focus of children’s health and safety while promoting growth and development to relationship building with children and families. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Learn how to manage a family childcare program. Topics include: licensing requirements, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

The basics of quality child care programs for children age 5-12, including developmental profiles of the school-age child, planning, budgeting, program set-up, curriculum, and resources. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

This course will help students develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage, and assess early childhood education and care programs. Students will explore techniques and resources available to Washington State licensing and NAEYC standard compliance. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Investigate learning theory, program planning, and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in young children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate practice. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

This class focuses on the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Participation with children and staff in an approved early childhood center. Practice applying guidance procedures, implementing curriculum, and working cooperatively with staff. Lab assignments, six hours per week; seminar, one hour per week. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Provides an overview of appropriate math concepts for preschool age children and techniques to facilitate young children's math learning. Course also provides techniques adults may use to eliminate math anxiety and improve their basic math skills. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Individually designed field experience and seminar to work with children and/or adults (parents, staff, community) in schools, childcare, or human service agencies. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.

Advanced practicum experience based on skill standards in a developmentally appropriate setting with qualified master teacher. Individualized opportunities for students to practice advanced teaching competencies and professional interactions with site staff and parents. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.