Early Childhood Education

This outline covers all four semesters of your at-home degree program. You will receive credit for previous college coursework if you meet Penn Foster standards. If you wish to receive credit for previous coursework, contact the college you attended and ask that your transcripts be forwarded to Penn Foster for evaluation. There is a non-refundable transcript processing fee of $30. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better, and as much as 50% of the required credits may be transferred. We will also credit your tuition for all the courses that are acceptable.

System Requirements
You will need access to a computer to complete this program. Penn foster recommends the following as minimum specifications: Pentium® II or better processor, using Microsoft® Windows® XP or later. You will also need access to the Internet and Microsoft® Office 2007 to complete portions of this program.

Online Library and Librarian
Students at Penn Foster College have access to an online library during their college studies. Students can use the library to do the required course research or for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and will assist students in research activities.

SEMESTER ONE

Basic Skills Assessment All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required. ECE100 - Orientation to Early Childhood Education (1 credit) • Strategies for the Independent Learner • Contemporary Child Day Care ENG103 - Information Literacy (1 credit) Finding and using information at libraries, at other information centers, and through electronic resources available in libraries and on the World Wide Web. ECE111 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education (3 credits) • The What and Who of Early Childhood Education • The Why of Early Childhood Education • The Where and How of Early Childhood Education • The How of Early Childhood Education — Guidance • Textbook included SSC130 - Essentials of Psychology (3 credits) The Psychological Perspective; The Mind at Work; Language, Intelligence, and Motivation; The Human Life Course and the Nature of Personality; Psychology and Society Textbook included ECE130 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children (3 credits) Information on the importance of health safety and nutrition and crucial factors in the development of young children. Provides strategies for the monitoring of standards in the care environment and development of good habits in young children. PREREQ: None General Education Elective (Choose one): HUM102 - Art Appreciation (3 credits) Artistic media; historical periods and artistic movements; roles of the artist and the viewer; art criticism. HUM104 - Music Appreciation (3 credits) Appreciating music; roles of composer and listener; principles of music theory and instrumentation; historical periods; varying styles of music. Proctored Examination*

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SEMESTER TWO

ECE220 - Child Growth and Development
This course presents a variety of theoretical viewpoints to provide students with a well-balanced view of a child’s developmental process. Current studies and research provide students with an understanding of the principal topics of child psychology as well as recent trends in socially relevant problem areas.

ECE215 – Curriculum for Early Childhood Education
Defines and explores the fundamental components of the early childhood curriculum, including creativity, sensory experience, curiosity, exploration and discovery, growth in literacy, and concepts of mathematics, and science, and social science.

Early Childhood Education Elective (choose one)

ECE216 - Language and Literacy Development in Young Children
Provides information and strategies to help educators promote successful development in the four areas which young children will use for the rest of their lives: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This includes children with special needs and those from diverse backgrounds. Means of assessment are also discussed.

ECE217 - Developing Math and Science Skills in Young Children
This course emphasizes the integration of mathematics and science with the other content areas for young children from preschool though the primary grades. It follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Developmentally appropriate assessment is explained.

ECE213 - Art, Music, and Movement
The role of art, music, and movement in a young child’s education. It explains how art and movement education address the physical, social/emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Students will recognize ways to develop creativity and promote self-expression among young children by enhancing the entire curriculum with experiences in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic creativity.

ENG100 - English Composition
• The Basics; The Writing Process; Descriptive Writing;
• Narrative Writing; Reflective and Persuasive Writing.
• Textbooks included

CSC104 - Computer Applications
Computer and Internet Basics; computer hardware and software; digital electronics and file management; introduction to Windows®; PC applications in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER THREE

ECE212 – Guidance in Early Childhood Education
Developmentally appropriate guidance strategies that help young children to become responsible, respectful, and productive members of the community. The course stresses the need to respect the unique qualities that individual children and their families bring to the early childhood setting.

ECE223 – Working with Preschoolers
This course shows how the learning environment can facilitate the teaching of preschool children. The use of learning centers is emphasized.

ECE120 - Infant and Toddler Care
This course focuses on how to create a safe, healthy learning environment that helps infants and toddlers increase their physical, intellectual, and social qualities.

Science Elective (choose one)

SCI120 - Introduction to Biology
An introductory course that explains the origin of life and the relationships between all living things. It describes how a significant number of organisms are structured and how they work, in order to enable students to discuss intelligently the various forms of life and their processes.

SCI110 - Earth Science
Surveys a broad range of topics within the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.

HUM106 - Interpersonal Communication
Developing more effective personal communication skills to increase chances for professional success; increasing skills levels involving the use and selection of words, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, listening skills, as well as overall physical appearance.

ECE203 – Working with Children with Special Needs
This course is designed to give the student a broad overview of special education, including research and laws that authorize and fund early education and preschool special education programs. Content also includes the design of buildings, rooms, and outdoor facilities to accommodate children with special needs as well as the use of technology to enhance the special education environment.

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER FOUR

ECE230 – Field Experience
During the fourth semester students will spend 300 hours in an approved early childhood center that includes infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in order to observe and participate in the direct application of theory. Students will have specific assignments during this time. They will have a maximum of six months
to complete the field experience.

ECE107 – Play in the Lives of Young Children
A study of play that provides current perspectives on culture and gender differences in play through a blend of research, theory, and practical applications. Topics include brain research and information on how and why play is important for children. The course attempts to illustrate the need to understand play and children with disabilities, integrate play into classroom curricula, and be aware of special places for play.

MAT102 - Mathematical Applications
This course provides a foundation in basic mathematical operations. Subjects covered include percentages, discounts, interest, pricing, depreciation, insurance, symbols and their applications, equations and formulas, and the importance of statistics.

ECE210 – The Child, Family, and Community
This course serves as a guide for students of early childhood education of the body of current research on interactions between families, schools, and communities.

Early Childhood Education Electives (choose one)

ECE160 – Cultural Diversity in the Early Childhood Program
A summary of the ways in which cultural differences influence the way children act, communicate, and learn. The major focus is on the areas of language and communication, social skills, school readiness, and emergent literacy.

ECE221 – Administration of an Early Childhood Education Center
A comprehensive view of the procedures involved in establishing and administering a child care education program. Topics include staffing, budgeting, equipment acquisition, parent involvement, and day-to-day administration.

Proctored Examination*

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* You will take a proctored examination at the end of each semester. We make it easy because you pick the location and the person you want to supervise the examination, as long as they meet Penn Foster College established policy and qualifications. Complete information packets with procedures will be provided well in advance, before completion of final semester coursework.

NOTE: Advanced standing student shipments may vary from the above schedule.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this degree program. Although this outline covers all four semesters of the Early Childhood Education Degree Program, you receive lesson materials for each semester as you enroll.

Because state education requirements vary for Early Childhood Education professionals, we recommend you check with the licensing agency in your state to find out what requirements you'll need to fulfill to obtain your license.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.