MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — 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 the whole child.
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 ECE certificate or 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 ECE certificate or 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.