PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

These courses provide an introduction to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of infants and young children. Courses serve as a foundation for an Associate of Arts degree and/or count toward the credentials needed to become a Child Development Associate (CDA).

These courses will be offered in a nontraditional format including online, workshop, summer and/or evening offerings. Courses will be offered on a cyclical rotation.

COURSES AND DESCRIPTIONS

Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 103), Online – 3 s.h.: Gives students a historical and philosophical foundation of the field of early childhood education.  Includes an overview of assessment and trends that influence best practices.  Explores careers in the field.  Addresses influences of families and diversity.

Child Growth & Development (ECE 170), Online – 3 s.h.: Reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains.  Presents interactions between child, family, and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts.  Examines theories associated with our understanding of children.

Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition (ECE 133), Online – 3 s.h.: Focuses on current concepts in the fields of health, safety, and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight.  Blends current theory with practical applications and assessments.  Includes the influences of families and diversity on health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings.

Home & School Relationships in Early Childhood (ECE 131), Online – 3 s.h.: Provides techniques for developing home, school, and community relationships to encourage the learning and well-being of each child.  Birth through age 8 is emphasized.  This course leads to CDA Certification.

Early Childhood Guidance (ECE 243), Online – 3 s.h.:  Focuses on effective approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of all children.  Emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments.  Uses assessment to analyze and guide behaviors.  Studies impact of families and diversity on child guidance.

Early Childhood Curriculum II (ECE 159) Online – 3 s.h.: Focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages three through eight.  Students prepare to utilize developmentally appropriate practices in a context of family and culturally sensitive care.  Emphasis is on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments in the following  areas:  emergent literacy, math, science, technology, and social studies.

SCHEDULE & CONTACT INFORMATION

Summer 2008

Fall 2008

Spring 2009

For more information, contact the NIACC Admissions Office at 641-422-4245 or 1-888-GO-NIACC, extension 4245. Financial aid is available for those who qualify; contact the Financial Aid Office at 641-422-4168 or 1-888-GO-NIACC, extension 4168.