ECE Initiative Course Descriptions

EDU3111 The Child in the Family 
3 credits.  The preschool child in the family and the family as a social/cultural unit.  Development of Christian parenting programs and teacher-parent relations. 

This course will prepare early childhood educators to

• define and examine cultural family structures
• learn effective parent-teacher-child communication skills
• examine programs which focus on parenting skills
• help parents understand early childhood education practices through observation
  and assessment methods
• view early childhood ministries as an effective evangelism tool for young families

EDU3112 Emergent Literacy
3 credits. The process of language acquisition from birth to age eight. Emphasis on classroom activities which provide language stimulation and communication skill attainment for young children. Attention is given to the nature and effect of delayed
speech and language as well as to effective intervention techniques and referral services.

PSY3010 Child Development
3 credits.  Cognitive, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social development in early childhood. Rates and styles of learning, perceptual motor development, and health and safety. Teacher observational skills for assessment.

Specifically this course should help participants to

• identify past and current issues in childcare and early education.
• examine three domains of child development – the physical/motor, the affective, and
   the cognitive.
• develop a physical/motor curriculum for early childhood programs.
• demonstrate the importance of child development, child observation, and
  developmentally appropriate practices for young children ages 0-8.
• define ways in which caregivers and parents can become partners in the early care
  and education of young children.