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 observation hours in the Laboratory Preschool. (By the end of the first 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.)

ECH 123 (3-0-3)

Curricular Methods I and Assessment

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 thought 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.

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 Integrated 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 223 (3-0-3)

Curricular Methods II and Development of Inquiry Skills

This course focuses on cultural, scientific and mathematical explorations by children from birth to eight years. It utilizes STEM materials and experiences that foster children’s scientific and mathematical thought processes to promote children’s critical thinking skills. The course requires students to implement developmentally appropriate social studies, math, and science activities that address diversity in children’s learning styles. The course requires a service learning experience. 
PR: ECH 123

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 255 (3-0-3)

Administration of Early Childhood Programs

This course provides administrative management training in the field of Early Childhood Education. This course addresses issues and techniques involved in the set-up, organization and administration of early childhood environments. Focus is placed on the initiation and maintenance of an early childhood program which includes the investigation and application of pertinent skills necessary to perform as an effective and competent program director. Ten hours of field work will be completed in this course.

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