Early Childhood Courses
ECH 121 (3-0-3)
Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education
This course focuses on curriculum development and assessment by applying early childhood
education philosophies for children birth through eight years of age. Students reflect
upon their roles as teachers in planning, implementing and evaluating criteria that
impacts child development and academic content areas. This course emphasizes in-depth
studies of developmentally appropriate curriculum models for the methods and strategies
that inform the development of meaningful and relevant curricula. Students spend a
minimum of ten observational hours in the Laboratory Preschool. (By the end of the
first week of class in ECH 121, students must submit (A) a notarized criminal conviction
statement and (B) a signed I Will Statement to uphold the National Association for
the Education of Young Children Code of Ethics and the SUNY Schenectady Early Childhood
Education Program Professional Behaviors.)
CR: ECH 123
ECH 123 (3-0-3)
Curricular Methods
This course focuses on cultural, scientific, and mathematical explorations for children
birth to second grade. Students utilize STEM materials and experiences to foster children’s
critical thinking skills in scientific and mathematical though processes. The course
requires students to implement developmentally appropriate social studies, math and
science activities to address diversity in children’s learning styles. Students spend
a minimum of ten observational hours in the Laboratory Preschool.
CR: ECH 121
ECH 131 (1-8-4)
Early Childhood Field Instruction and Seminar I
This course allows students the opportunity for direct practical teaching and learning
in early childhood education within community agencies and/or the SUNY Schenectady
Early Childhood Program Laboratory Preschool. Additionally, in a seminar setting,
students reflect on and share their experiences. Students will spend eight to ten
hours per week in their field placement to accumulate a minimum of 130 hours.
PR: ECH 121 and ECH 123
ECH 220 (3-0-3)
Engendering Creativity: Arts in the Classroom
This course is an exploration of creative expression with an emphasis placed on the
importance of the arts in every child’s education. As students unlock their own creative
potential, they also become skilled at using methods and techniques that encourage
creative development in young children. Students reflect on aesthetics while analyzing
the movements and techniques of the visual arts and the genres and elements of music.
Students then apply their understanding by presenting art, music, and drama activities
to young children. Throughout the semester, students develop an art and music portfolio.
Fall only
ECH 225 (3-2-4)
Fostering Emergent Literacy
The course examines the development of literacy skills in children ages birth to 8 years. Multiple opportunities to recognize the developmental stages in literacy acquisition, to identify factors that influence literacy development, and to discuss how to design and implement a literacy program are provided. Genres of literature, curricular themes, and resources for children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are emphasized. Guidelines for the design and implementation of literature-based activities are applied throughout the course. Students observe for a minimum of 15 hours in an early childhood literacy environment.
ECH 227 (3-0-3)
Guidance of Young Children
This course focuses on the early developmental abilities of children from ages birth
to eight years and the application of appropriate guidance strategies to enhance children’s
self-esteem and self-discipline. This course enables students to research and observe
the correlation between children’s environments and behaviors. The course analyzes
the importance of play, social interactions, and family expectations on children’s
development.
Spring only
ECH 231 (1-8-4)
Early Childhood Field Instruction and Seminar II
This course allows students the opportunity for direct practical teaching and learning
in early childhood education within community agencies or the SUNY Schenectady Early
Childhood Program Integrated Laboratory Preschool. The course requires students to
reflect on and share their experiences in a seminar setting. The course also requires
students to spend eight to ten hours per week in their field placement to accumulate
a minimum of 130 hours. A service learning implementation is required.
PR: ECH 131
ECH 234 (3-0-3)
Early Childhood Education Program Administration
This course provides administrative training in the field of Early Childhood Education. This course addresses early childhood education program designs, curricula, ethics, as well as criteria and techniques employed in the start-up and organization of early childhood education programs. Focus is placed on the implementation of national, state, and local mandates in a high quality early childhood education program, including skills necessary to ensure the safety of all program participants and perform effectively as director. Students will complete ten hours of observation in this course.
ECH 252 (3-0-3)
Infant and Toddler Development
This course examines infant and toddler development with an emphasis on the importance
of the first thirty-six months in relation to human development. It emphasizes attachment,
early brain research, and developmentally appropriate practices as critical factors
which impact a caregiver’s role in meeting individual children’s needs. The course
requires ten observation hours.
Spring only
ECH 260 (1-0-1)
ECH Portfolio Seminar
This capstone seminar is intended for ECH majors who are about to graduate from their
Early Childhood Program. Knowledge and skills acquired in the program are reviewed
and analyzed to demonstrate their proficiency in a pre-professional portfolio. Opportunity
is provided for technical assistance on an individual basis. Each student assembles
a portfolio as a summative experience to be presented to a professional review team.
PR: Permission of the Department
Spring only