Early Childhood Courses
ECH 121 (3-0-3)
Introduction to Early Childhood
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 SCCC 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 the 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 in the Laboratory Preschool. Throughout the semester students develop a professional art portfolio and a music and drama portfolio.
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)
Early Childhood 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