ECE 335: Advanced Methods in Early Childhood Education / Special Education - Pre K through Kindergarten

Course Description

This course will focus on principles of learning, curriculum development, and relationships in conjunction with ongoing observation, assessment, and intentional teaching. The course examines the roles of play and active exploration in designing developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all children and addresses guiding children’s behavior. The course emphasizes the role of families in children’s learning and supports students’ development as reflective practitioners and intentional teachers. Students will observe two separate classrooms; one must be an inclusive preschool special education classroom and the other either an NAEYC community based preschool program OR a Kindergarten classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they can meet this requirement. 5 hours of field experience (observation) required for completion of this course. A passing grade of ‘C’ or above is required for this course key assessment. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ECE 101: Introduction to Early Childhood
  • ECE 210: Observation and Assessment in ECE Program
  • ECE 217: The Exceptional Learner
  • ECE 222: Curriculum for Young Children - Methods and Techniques or ECE 261: Infant / Toddler Care: Methods and Techniques
  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Design developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support young children's learning through relationships and play, demonstrating knowledge of early childhood development and learning theories. (Standard 1a, 1b, 1c, 4a, 4b)
  2. Apply the Cycle of Intentional Teaching to support a wide range of learner needs, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, while recognizing the interrelatedness of learning domains. (Standard 1b, 1c, 4b, 4c)
  3. Design developmentally appropriate learning experiences for preschoolers and kindergarteners, including children with special needs and English Language Learners, across various content areas (music, language/literacy, science, art, movement, numeracy, health/safety, and nutrition) using the Early Learning and Development Standards and the Common Core State Standards. (Standard 2a, 2b, 2c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c)
  4. Implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, accommodations, modifications, and differentiation strategies in classroom practice to support children's diverse learning needs. (Standard 1b, 2b, 2c, 4a)
  5. Engage families in their children's learning by designing opportunities for family involvement and extending learning to the home environment. (Standard 2a, 2b, 3d, 6b, 6e)
  6. Develop reflective practice skills and engage in ongoing professional development. [Standard 6e]

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeightPoints

Discussions (Weeks 1-8) 8 x 20 points each

16%

160

Blogs (Week 1-8) 8 x 25 points each

20%

200

Observations (Week 5 & 6) 2 x 125 points each 

25%

250

Assignments (Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7) 5 x 20 points each

10%

100

Journals (Weeks 1 & 8) 2 x 25 points each

5%

50

Final Project

24%

240

Total

100%

1000

Required Resources

  • This course uses Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are openly licensed, educational resources that can be used for teaching, learning and research. OER may consist of a variety of resources such as textbooks, videos and software that are at little or no cost for students.

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2

Topic: What is curriculum? How do we support all of the children in our classroom?

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit journal reflection
  • Submit Assignment

2

2,4

Topic: The Cycle of Intentional Teaching - Planning for all learners

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Assignment

3

2,3,4

Topic: Assessment Methods and Assistive Technology

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Assignment

4

2,4

Topics: Supporting All Learners: Intentional Teaching Methods and Social Emotional Learning

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Assignment

5

3,4,5

Topics: Supporting All Learners: Language Literacy and Creative Expression

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Observation I

6

3,4,5

Topics: Supporting All Learners: Math, Science and Social Studies

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Observation II

7

3,4,5

Topics: Supporting All Learners: Physical Development & Health and Family Partnerships

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Assignment

8

1-6

Topics: Who are YOU as a Teacher?

  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussion
  • Participate in blog
  • Submit Journal Reflection
  • Submit Final Project (due on Saturday by 11:59 PM)
  • Complete Course Evaluation

 

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.