MWCC College Catalog — Early Childhood Education
ECE101 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the field of early childhood. It studies the foundations, history, philosophy, ethics, the role of the teacher, and the changing needs of children in a variety of settings. This course will address licensing regulations, state and national standards and how they impact on the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of the child. A 16-hour field experience is required for all ECT (transfer) students only, in order to meet the new Massachusetts Early Childhood Transfer Compact. Students participating in field experiences must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, or placement. Fall and spring.
ECE102 EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM AND PROGRAM PLANNING
3 credits
This course surveys the theory and methods needed in developing, planning and maintaining an interesting, comprehensive curriculum/program for preschool children. Particular attention is given to developmental theory and the integration of State standards and guidelines into the curriculum. Students gain skills in working with, understanding, and meeting the needs of young children. Various curriculum areas involving language, science, social studies, music, art, literature, and drama are emphasized, along with understanding the importance of play, and of planning for encouraging the development of a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Students also develop plans for cultural diversity and explore strategies for including families in the program. Pre- or co-requisite: PSY108 or permission of division dean. A passing grade is “C” or better. Fall and spring.
ECE103 HOME, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
3 credits
This course will examine the role of teacher and parent in the development, care, and education of young children. Special emphasis will be placed on improving communication skills in order to create more effective positive relationships among parents, teachers, and other professionals. Students will explore attitudes and communication styles that inhibit or enhance communication. Topics include understanding parents’ roles, trends influencing families, characteristics of effective and ineffective communication, encouraging both direct and indirect parent involvement in the classroom and the community, cultural diversity, and working with parents in special situations, i.e., special needs, divorce, single parenting, and abusive parents. An advocacy component will be included to help students develop a vehicle for speaking out for children, families, and early childhood education. Prerequisite: ECE101 or permission of instructor or division dean. Fall and spring.
ECE104 INFANT AND TODDLER DEVELOPMENT AND CURRICULUM
3 credits
This course is designed to give students information on physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development from birth to three years, as it relates to early childhood education. Students will become familiar with developmentally appropriate practices in infant and toddler care settings with regards to such areas as environment, care giving, and curriculum. Specific topics, such as children with special needs, parent-child interactions, and parent-teacher communications, will also be included. Prerequisites: PSY108. Fall.
ECE105 DAY CARE ADMINISTRATION
3 credits
This course examines the organization, planning, and the administering of various types of early childhood programs. Emphasis will be placed on the responsibility of the director to provide a quality program through thoughtful planning, sound fiscal management skills, and interpersonal relationships, while meeting State standards and guidelines and State licensing regulations. Topics included in the course will be funding, budgeting, evaluating, hiring, collecting fees, writing reports, and communication skills. Prerequisite: Lead Teacher Certified or permission of instructor or division dean.
ECE114 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PRACTICUM I
4 credits
Students have the opportunity to gain supervised practical experience in working with young children in a preschool, Head Start or day care center. A total of 150 hours, with a minimum of 12-15 hours per week must be completed in one Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensed center. Seminar meetings of one hour and a half each week are planned to discuss appropriate use of material and equipment in preschool programming. Students will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating curriculum, and working as a member of a classroom team. Emphasis will be placed on students building their teaching skills and confidence, and on learning to analyze their own teaching practices. Passing grade is C or better. Prerequisites: ECE102, PSY108; permission of instructor or division dean. Students must be matriculated in the ECC or ECT degree programs. Students participating in a Practicum must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Fall and spring.
ECE124 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PRACTICUM II
4 credits
Students have the opportunity to gain supervised practical experience in working with young children in a preschool, Head Start, or day care center. A total of 150 hours, with a minimum of 12-15 hours per week must be completed in one Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensed center. Seminar meetings of one hour and a half each week are planned to discuss appropriate use of materials and equipment in preschool programming. Students will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating curriculum, and working as a member of a classroom team. Emphasis will be placed on helping students build their teaching skills to a higher level, building confidence and competence. Students will continue to analyze their own teaching practices, develop their own philosophy of early childhood education, and become strong advocates of the field of early childhood. Passing grade is C or better. Prerequisites: ECE114; permission of instructor or division dean. Students must be matriculated in the ECC or ECT degree programs. Students participating in a practicum must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Fall and spring.
ECE132 APPLYING THEORIES OF CURRICULUM
3 credits
This course will explore and analyze current trends, theories, and standards of curriculum in early childhood education. Emphasis will be placed on the Massachusetts Early Childhood Program Standards and Preschool Learning Guidelines and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) program standards. Students will gain a more in-depth understanding of inquiry-based teaching that reviews the value of play and the importance of cultural diversity. Prerequisites: PSY108, ECE102. Spring.
ECE134 GUIDING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR
3 credits
This course helps students examine and interpret young children’s behavior. Students will examine a variety of positive approaches to discipline and study how materials, environment, scheduling, appropriate speech and action all contribute to children’s behavior. Students will learn effective techniques to guide children toward cooperation and positive productive interactions with others, and develop realistic expectations of young children according to each child’s developmental level. Attention is given to special accommodations designed to meet the needs of all children. Prerequisites: PSY108 or permission of division dean. Fall.
ECE260 LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION SEMINAR
3 credits
In this capstone course, students analyze and articulate themes in educational leadership demonstrating their mastery of the content of completed required early childhood courses within their degree. The focus will be for students to examine their own roles in the leadership process in their work, with the care and education of young children and their families. Students will study professional ethics using the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct. Prerequisites: ECE101, 102, 103, 114, ENG102, PSY108, PSY244.
Co-requisite ECE124. Spring.