Academic Catalog - Early Childhood Education

ECE 1011 / ECE 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education – 3 Credits
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.
(Contact hours – 45) 

ECE 1031 / ECE 103: Guidance Strategies for Young Children - 3 Credits
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.
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 1045 / ECE 102: Introduction to Early Childhood Lab Techniques - 3 Credits 
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. 
(Contact hours – 60) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 and ECE1031 / ECE 103 

ECE 1088 / ECE 188: Practicum: ECE – 0 -12 Credits 
Provides students with field experience in early childhood programs. 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 1111 / ECE 111: Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice - 3 Credits 
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.
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 1125 / ECE 112: Intro to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques – 3 Credits 
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. 
(Contact hours – 60) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1111 / ECE 111 and ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 1571 / ECE 157: Family Dynamics - 1 Credit 
Enables the student to understand and develop partnerships with families who have children with special needs. Introduces the concept of family systems, the impact of children with special needs upon the family system, and the role of the paraeducator in collaborating with families of diverse cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds. 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 1611 / ECE 161: The Team Process – 1 Credit 
Enables the student to work effectively in team situations. Covers the interpersonal aspects of working in a team as well as specific skills in establishing good working relationships among personnel with differing roles and responsibilities. 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2051 / ECE 205: Nutrition, Health and Safety – 3 Credits 
Focuses on nutrition, health and safety as a key factor for optimal growth and development of young children. Includes nutrient knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities and communication with families. Addresses ages from prenatal through age 8. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2061 / ECE 209: Obs/Assess of Young Children - 1 Credit 
Provides a foundational understanding of the observation and assessment of young children’s development and learning environments. This course also examines the current research on the continuous practice of observing and assessing children’s development and incorporates practice with a variety of assessment instruments, particularly evidence-based and authentic assessment. 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2088 / ECE 288: Practicum: Early Childhood Education - 3 Credits 
Provides students with advanced field experience opportunities in early childhood education programs. 
(Contact hours – 135) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2089 / ECE 289: Capstone: Early Childhood Education – 3 Credits 
Incorporates a demonstrated culmination of learning within a given program of study. 
(Contact hours – 135) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 101 / ECE 1011  

ECE 2101 / ECE 256: Working with Families and Communities - 3 Credits 
Examines personal and professional dispositions and strategies impacting partnerships with diverse families, including perspectives that recognize diversity and promote equity in early care and education settings. The course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and activities used to promote family partnerships, and explores community resources to support children and their families.
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 2381 / ECE 238: ECE Child Growth and Development – 3 credits 
Provides an overview of growth, development, and learning of young children from birth through 12 years. The course includes the major theories of development as integrated in developmental domains and offers opportunities to practice effective research and assessment methods to gather child development information. This course also includes practical applications of child development knowledge to responsive teaching practices.
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 2401 / ECE 240: Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs - 3 Credits 
Examines Colorado’s licensing requirements, as well as quality standards pertaining to the operation of programs for young children. Focuses on the director’s administrative skills and role as a community advocate for young children. Addresses ages birth through age 12. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 2411 / ECE 241: Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education - 3 Credits 
Focuses on the human relations component of an early childhood professional’s responsibilities. Includes director-staff relationships, staff development, leadership strategies, parent-professional partnerships, and community interaction. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 

ECE 2601 / ECE 260: The Exceptional Child - 3 Credits 
Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities in the early childhood setting. Topics include the following: typical and atypical development, legal requirements, research based practices related to inclusion, teaming and collaboration, and accommodations and adaptations. Student will learn how a disability will impact a young child’s learning process. Focus of the course is on birth through age 8. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101 and ECE 2381 / ECE 238 

ECE 2621 / ECE 220: Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques – 3 Credits 
Explores planning and implementing effective early childhood curriculum for children, from birth through age eight years, including developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom environments, and written curriculum plans. The course also covers curricular content areas relevant to early childhood. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s):  ECE 1011 / ECE 101 and ECE 2381 /ECE 238  

ECE 2631 / ECE 225: Language and Cognition for the Young Child – 3 Credits 
Examines theories of cognitive and language development as a framework for conceptualizing the way children acquire thinking skills. Includes observing, planning, facilitating, creative representation, and evaluating strategies within the context of play. Focuses on language, science, math, problem solving and logical thinking. Addresses ages birth through age 8. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2641 / ECE 226: Creativity and the Young Child - 3 Credits 
Provides an emphasis on encouraging and supporting creative self expression and problem solving skills in children. Explores creative learning theories and research. Focuses on developmentally appropriate curriculum strategies in all developmental domains. Addresses ages birth through age 8. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011/ ECE 101 

ECE 2651 / ECE 228: Early Language and Literacy - 3 Credits 
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. 
(Contact hours – 45) 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101  

ECE 2661 / ECE 125: Science/Math & the Young Child - 3 Credits 
Examines theories of cognitive development as a framework for conceptualizing the way young children acquire scientific and mathematical skills, concepts, and abilities. Enables students to research and develop appropriate individual and group scientific/mathematical activities for young children. 
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ECE 1011 / ECE 101