Early Childhood Education (ECE)

ECE 1008 | The Assessment Process in Early Childhood Education

Lecture Credit: 1

Focuses on exposing students to a wide variety of screening tools and evaluations appropriate for children birth to eight years of age. Enables students to gain beginning knowledge in the selection of developmental screening tools and evaluations important to the IFSP/IEP.

ECE 1011 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Lecture Credit: 3

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.

ECE 1031 | Guidance Strategies for Young Children

Lecture Credit: 3

Provides an exploration of guidance theories, techniques, and practices used to support young children’s ability to learn and engage in prosocial interactions with peers and adults. This course covers factors that influence children’s behaviors, as well as aspects of early childhood educator professionalism related to ethical and equitable guidance practice. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 1045 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques

Lecture/Lab Credit: 3

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses ages birth through age 8.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 1031

Note: A background check will be required for this course.

ECE 1088 | Practicum: Early Childhood Education

Practicum Credit: 0-12

Provides students with field experience in early childhood programs.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

Note: A background check will be required for this course.

ECE 1111 | Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice

Lecture Credit: 3

Presents an overview of development and care pertinent to infant and toddler children, ages birth to three years, in early childhood settings. The course includes information on state requirements for regulating health, safety, and nutrition practices in early childhood settings, and on indicators of quality care for infants and toddlers.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 1125 | Introduction to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques

Lecture Credit: 3

Includes a classroom seminar and placement in an infant and\or toddler setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe, to practice appropriate interactions and to develop effective guidance and nurturing techniques with infants and\or toddlers. Addresses ages prenatal through age 2.

Prerequisite: ECE 1111 and ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1111 and ECE 1011

ECE 2051 | Nutrition, Health and Safety

Lecture Credit: 3

Focuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. This course includes nutrition knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families for early childhood educators. This course addresses children ages birth through 12 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2061 | Observing and Utilizing Young Children's Assessment Instruments

Lecture Credit: 1

Examines the current research on the continuous practice of observing children. Incorporates practice with a variety of assessment instruments currently utilized in Colorado ECE programs.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2075 | Special Topics

Explores current topics, issues and activities related to one or more aspects of the early childhood care and education profession.

Note: Special topics courses range from 0-12 credits and vary in learning type. Please see your program chair for more information about your options.

ECE 2088 | Practicum: Early Childhood Education

Practicum Credit: 3

Provides students with advanced field experience opportunities in early childhood education programs.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

Note: This class will be offered in the spring semester only.

ECE 2101 | Working with Parents, Families, and Community Systems

Lecture Credit: 3

Examines personal attitudes regarding families, family values systems, and how personal attitudes affect parent-professional partnerships in the early childhood education program. This course covers communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution strategies. Effective activities and resources to support family involvement in the classroom will be created. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2365 | Child Growth/Development Laboratory

Lab Credit: 1

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. Emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional domains and the concept of the whole child and how adults can provide a supportive environment. Addresses ages from prenatal through age 12.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2381 | ECE Child Growth and Development

Lecture Credit: 3

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

Note: This course has an early childhood laboratory component.

ECE 2401 | Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs

Lecture Credit: 3

Provides foundational knowledge in early childhood program business operations, program development, and evaluation. This course covers administrative skills, ethical decision making, risk and resource management, and components of quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs serving children ages birth through 12 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2411 | Administration:Human Relations for Early Childhood Education

Lecture Credit: 3

Focuses on the human relations component of an early childhood professional’s responsibilities. This course includes director-staff relationships, staff development, leadership strategies, family-professional partnerships, and community interaction.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2601 | The Exceptional Child

Lecture Credit: 3

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child’s learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 2381 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 2381

ECE 2621 | ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques

Lecture Credit: 3

Provides an overview of early childhood curriculum development. This course includes processes for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate environments, materials, and experiences that represent best practices in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 2381 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011 and ECE 2381

ECE 2641 | Creativity and the Young Child

Lecture Credit: 3

Explores creative learning theories and evidence-based practices related to creative self-expression with young children. The course emphasizes the teacher’s role in encouraging and supporting creativity and problem-solving skills. The course also addresses the use of developmentally appropriate curriculum planning to promote creative self-expression in all developmental domains for children ages birth through 8 years.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011

ECE 2651 | Language and Literacy

Lecture Credit: 3

Presents strategies for optimum language development, literacy, social and emotional development. Supports children's language and literacy in home, classroom, and community settings. Provides appropriate teacher/child verbal interactions, classroom environments, and activities. Addresses ages birth through age 8.

Prerequisite: ECE 1011 with a grade of C or better
Corequisite: ECE 1011