ECE Courses
Introduction to incorporating cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and physical diversity
into the early childhood setting. Includes recognizing and resisting stereotypical
and discriminatory behavior and working with parents and communities to create a supportive
environment for diversity.
Provides an overview of the early childhood education program expectations and philosophy.
Students will gain knowledge and skills in collecting work samples for the professional
portfolio which they are required to develop in ECE 260.
Complete 20 hours of field experience in each of the following three approved early
childhood education settings: infant/toddler program, preschool program, kindergarten,
first, second or third-grade classroom (60 hours total). Prerequisites: concurrent
enrollment in ECED& 190 required.
Student completes 60 hours of field experience in an approved early childhood setting
with a qualified teacher. Apply classroom theory from EDUC&150 to actual practice
of technical skills per Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education
Professionals. Concurrent enrollment in EDUC&150 required for students who are pursuing
ECE certificate or ATS degree.
Assists students in final preparation for CDA Assessment. Students develop CDA professional
resource files, distribute parent questionnaires and review CDA competency goals/functional
areas. Prerequisites: ECED& 105, ECED&107, ECED&120, first aid/CPR training, blood-borne
pathogen education, and at least 480 hours of experience working with preschool children
within the past five years.
Covers the fundamental concepts of how language is acquired and literacy emerges
in children from birth through eight years. Methods of enhancing language development,
listening skills, and emergent reading and writing skills in the early childhood setting
and family environment will be explored. Prerequisites: ECED& 105 (formerly ECE 101),
EDUC& 115, ECED& 180 (formerly ECE 206).
Methods, materials and vocabulary to use in individualized and developmentally appropriate
math and science experiences in early childhood and family environments. Role of technology
will be explored. Prerequisites: ECED& 105 (formerly ECE 101), EDUC& 115.
Students will learn to select, create and use activities to foster development of
muscle coordination and strength, body awareness, movement, balance, and endurance.
Individual areas of physical and creative activities will be explored, as will family
and community influences. Prerequisites: ECED& 105 (formerly ECE 101), EDUC& 115.
Provides students with skills to plan and implement creative experiences in art,
music, drama, dance and literature. Community resources will be identified. The relationship
of the creative domain to other developmental domains is a focus. Prerequisites: ECED&
105 (formerly ECE 101), EDUC& 115.
Complete 60 hours of field experience in an approved early childhood setting with
a qualified teacher. Apply classroom theory from ECE 220 to actual practice of technical
skills as defined in the Washington Skill Standards for Early Childhood Professionals.
Concurrent enrollment in ECE 220 required. Prerequisites: ECED&105, EDUC&115.
Completes 60 hours of field experience in an approved early childhood setting with
a qualified teacher. Apply classroom theory from ECE 222 to actual practice of technical
skills per Washington Skill Standards. Concurrent enrollment in ECE 222 required for
students pursuing ECE certificate or ATS degree. Prerequisites: ECED& 105, EDUC& 115.
Provides the knowledge and skills needed to develop and maintain a professional portfolio
to use in job searches and other career endeavors. Prerequisites: ENGL 097, ECE 117,
119, 132, 219, 220, 222, ECED& 105, 107, 120, 132, 160, 170, 180, 190, EDUC& 115,
130, 150.
Student completes 90 hours of field experience in an approved early childhood setting.
Under the direct supervision of a qualified early childhood professional, student
takes on the role of lead teacher to demonstrate skills in curriculum planning and
implementation, child guidance, environmental design, and communication with families
and program staff. Students will meet once a week with course instructor to discuss
practicum experiences. Prerequisites: ENGL 097, ECE 117, 119, 132, 219, 220, 222,
ECED&105, 107, 120, 132, 160, 170, 180, 190, EDUC&115, 130, 150.
Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the
field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals
and programs in action. Formerly ECE 101.
Develop knowledge and skills to ensure good health, nutrition and safety of children
in group care and education programs. Recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, responsibilities
for mandated reporting, and available community resources. Formerly ECE 108.
In an early learning setting, apply best practice for engaging in nurturing relationships
with children. Focus on keeping children healthy and safe while promoting growth and
development. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in ECED& 105.
Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of
the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices,
nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care. Formerly
ECE 215.
Learn the basics of home/family child care program management. Topics include: licensing
requirements; business management; relationship building; health, safety, and nutrition:
guiding behavior and promoting growth and development.
Develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage and assess
early childhood education and care programs. Explore techniques and resources available
for Washington State licensing and National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) standard compliance. Formerly ECE 290.
Investigate learning theory, program planning, and tools for curriculum development
promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills
and growth in young children (birth-age 8). Prerequisites: ECED& 105 (formerly ECE
101), EDUC& 115.
Design, evaluate, and improve indoor and outdoor environments which ensure quality
learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children.
Develop teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development
at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking,
listening, writing and reading. Formerly ECE 206.
Collect and record observation of and assessment data in order to plan for and support
the child, the family, the group and the community. Practice reflection techniques,
summarizing conclusions and communicating findings. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment
in ECED& 132.