Early Childhood Education (EARL)
EARL 102 Introduction to School Age Child Care (Cr3)(3:0)
Students use observation and assessment to learn about the development of children and youth; and to plan school-age programs, including effective interaction strategies and appropriate learning/recreation environments that support the development, ability and interest of each youth. Assignments require access to school-age child care programs. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 103 Society and the School Age Child (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn about the role of families, communities and culture in the development of children and youth. Dominant theories of children’s social-emotional development, crises in children’s lives, and developmentally appropriate responses will be introduced. Family communication and support, cultural competence, the importance of inclusive teaching practices and respect for diversity are central themes. Assignments require access to school-age child care programs. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 104 School Age Child Care Professional (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn to use the professions’ Code of Ethics and Standards as a basis for developing a professional identity. Management and leadership skills required for working collaboratively to ensure a quality program, and advocacy skills for improving the condition of before and after school programs are included. Assignments require access to school-age child care programs. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 105 Early Childhood Visual Arts (Cr3)(2:2)
Students learn theories and milestones of artistic and fine motor development in children aged birth to eight and the visual arts as a language children use to represent, express and create. Standards-based visual arts curriculum, preparation of universally designed aesthetic environments, and collaboration with families and community arts organizations are studied. Students apply learning in 10 weekly field experiences (labs). Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 109 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn child development theories and milestones in children from age birth to eight. Introduction to observation and assessment; inclusive teaching skills, strategies and environments that are universally designed; ethical guidelines and professionalism; early childhood systems, trends, curriculum models; and development of relationships with families are incorporated as foundational skills. Observation visits to several early childhood settings are required. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 112 Early Childhood Language and Literacy (Cr3)(2:2)
Students learn theories and milestones of language and literacy development in children aged birth to eight. Standards-based language arts curriculum, preparation of language-rich, universally designed environments, and collaboration with families and community literacy organizations are studied. Students apply learning in 10 weekly field experiences (labs). Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 113 Fundamental Family Support Techniques (Cr3)(3:0)
Experience in practical application of skills for family support workers; emphasis on Dr. William Glasser’s Choice Theory as a way of understanding individual and family dynamics, family case histories, and the development of skills for joint problem solving approaches to increasing family effectiveness; students explore the relationship between self-esteem development and the experience of poverty in America and practice interviewing, critical reflection, and developing helping relationships. Designed for Head Start employees only.
EARL 114 Advanced Family Support Techniques (Cr3)(3:0)
Designed to offer practical application of skills for Family Support staff and Teachers. Course will examine the intersect between genetic, developmental, and environmental impacts on understanding communication, conflict, and negotiation between family system. Emphasis will be placed on understanding communication, conflict, and negotiation within family relationships from a Choice Theory perspective. Students will practice interventions that positively affect the ability of family members to make sustained change to improve parenting outcomes and familial relationships. Designed for Head Start employees only. Prereq. - EARL 113.
EARL 122 Early Childhood Music and Movement (Cr3)(2:2)
Students learn theories and milestones of musical and motor development in children aged birth to eight, and the musical arts as a language children use to represent, express and create. Standards-based music, dance, drama and physical education curriculum, preparation of universally designed aesthetic environments, and collaboration with families and community music, theatre, and fitness organizations are studied. Students apply learning in 10 weekly field experiences (labs). Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 130 Introduction to Young Children with Disabilities (Cr1)(1:0)
Provides students with understanding of disabilities and application of laws that impact early childhood educators.
EARL 131 A.D.A. and Early Childhood Education (Cr1)(1:0)
Provides students with an understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it applies to early childhood education.
EARL 132 Family/School Collaboration for Young Children with Disabilities (Cr1)(1:0)
Awareness and understanding of both educator and parent perspective with regard to educating and parenting a child with disabilities; methods for developing a collaborative relationship through positive communication.
EARL 133 Fostering Social-Emotional Competency in Young Children with Disabilities (Cr1)(1:0)
Intervention strategies for maximizing the social and emotional competencies in young children with disabilities and for preventing and responding to problem situations.
EARL 134 The Inclusive Classroom Environment (Cr1)(1:0)
The important role of the physical environment and the social dimensions of a classroom which includes children with disabilities; techniques and strategies for adapting the physical space, selecting and/or modifying materials, creating a positive climate and developing peer support networks.
EARL 135 Planning Curriculum for Young Children with Disabilities (Cr1)(1:0)
Curriculum planning strategies for including children with disabilities.
EARL 155 Introduction to Family Child Care (Cr3)(3:0)
Students are introduced to the use of child development principles, theories, and milestones as the basis for being a professional family child care provider. Students learn to modify their home environment to provide developmentally appropriate, arts-integrated and inclusive learning experiences. Ethical guidelines, systems, trends and curriculum models are included. Observation and assessment techniques, interaction skills and strategies, and the development of respectful and reciprocal relationships with families are learned as foundational skills. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 156 Society and the Child in Family Child Care (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn about family child care as an extension of the family and its connection into the community. Social-emotional milestones and theories related to attachment, autonomy, self-esteem and developmentally appropriate responses will be introduced. The development of cultural competence, social problem solving, access to and use of community resources are major themes. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Prereq. - EARL 155. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 157 Family Child Care Professional (Cr3)(3:0)
Students appropriate practices, including business practices and other professional guidelines, as a foundation for developing and maintaining a professional program and identity. Students use strategies to manage an effective family child care program, including a business plan, effective recordkeeping and strategic planning. Learning for EARL 155, 156, and 157 are integrated through a final portfolio to document the student as a professional that engages in continuous, collaborative learning to inform, and advocate for best practice. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Prereq. - EARL 156. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 178 Out of School Programming for Middle School Youth (Cr3)(3:0)
Skills and knowledge for staff working with, or intending to work with, middle school aged youth in out of school programs; developmental needs, program implementation strategies, planning and working with parents. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 202 Society and the Child (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn the role of families, communities and culture in the development of children aged birth to eight. Dominant theories of children’s social-emotional development, pro-social behavior and conflict resolution, crises in children’s lives, and developmentally appropriate responses are introduced. Family communication and support, cultural competence, the importance of inclusive teaching practices, and respect for diversity are themes. Child and Family Study project is required. Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 215 Early Childhood Science and Math (Cr3)(2:2)
Students learn developmental theories and milestones of logical mathematical and scientific thinking in children aged birth to eight, math as a language children use to present, express and construct, and science as inquiry for learning about the physical and natural world. Standards-based science and math curriculum including universally designed aesthetic environments, and collaboration with families and community science organizations are studied. Students apply learning in 10 weekly field experiences (labs). Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 220 Infant Toddler Care and Education (Cr3)(2:2)
Students learn developmental theories and milestones of children aged birth to three. Standards-based infant/toddler curriculum; preparation of healthy, safe, universally designed aesthetic environments; and collaboration with families are studied. Students apply learning in 10 weekly field experiences (labs). Pre- or coreq. - EARL 109. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 231 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs (Cr3)(3:0)
Application of child development knowledge, state regulations and national standards to organization and administration of high quality early childhood programs; to collaborate with families, school districts and communities and to engage in strategic planning. Designed for current and future directors of child care/child development centers, Head Start programs and community-based pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. Prereq. - 15 credits in Early Childhood Education or departmental approval. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 232 Leadership Seminar in Early Childhood Education (Cr3)(3:0)
Focus on program director’s leadership role in creating environment that supports professionalism, ethics, advocacy, strategic planning, and leadership development for self, staff, and board members. Survey of current issues, trends, problems, and resources related to education and care of young children. Designed for current and future directors and owners of community child care/child development programs, Head Start programs, and pre-kindergarten programs. Prereq. - 15 credits in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, or department approval. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 254 Internship (Cr3)(1:6)
Interns apply their knowledge about children’s development; partner with families and communities; observe and assess children’s learning; develop and implement curriculum, universally designed aesthetic environments, and learning experiences that support and inspire all children; and ethical guidelines and professional standards. Six hours a week of field experiences implementing assignments in an early childhood setting in collaboration with a cooperating teacher, and a 1 hour weekly seminar are required. Prereq. - EARL 105, 109, 112, 122, 202, 215, 220 all with a grade of C or better. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 256 Internship (Cr6)(2:13)
Interns apply and synthesize their knowledge about children’s development; partner with families and communities; observe and assess children’s learning; develop and implement curriculum, universally designed aesthetic environments, and learning experiences that facilitate inclusive practices; and ethical guidelines and professional standards. Students implement assignments in collaboration with a cooperating teacher. Thirteen hours working with children and a 2-hour seminar are required weekly. An Action Research Project and Program Assessment Portfolio are also required. Prereq. - EARL 105, 109, 112, 122, 202, 215, 220 all with a grade of C or better. Also available through Online Learning. Additional course fee: $10.
EARL 275 The Early Childhood Professional (Cr3)(3:0)
Students learn regulations, public policies, professional standard, and ethical guidelines for the early childhood profession. The NAEYC Code of Ethics is used to analyze ethical dilemmas. Professional communication, self-assessment and advocacy for one’s own personal and professional growth is a theme. An advocacy project that explores the role of the teacher as advocate for children, families, and best educational practices is required. Prereq. - EARL 109 and one other 3 credit EARL course. Also available through Online Learning.
EARL 291 Special Studies in Early Childhood Education (Cr1)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
EARL 292 Special Studies in Early Childhood Education (Cr2)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
EARL 293 Special Studies in Early Childhood Education (Cr3)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
EARL 294 Special Studies in Early Childhood Education (Cr4)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
