University of Maine at Farmington 2017-2018 Catalog

	ECH 150 - Introduction and Observation in Early Childhood Education
	Introduces the role of the early childhood educator, an overview of the profession's evolution, an examination of its settings and environments, and analysis of issues in curriculum design. Systematic observational strategies fundamental to assessment in child development and curriculum are highlighted, with field observations a required part of the course. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 192 - Introductory Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education

Entry level practicum focuses on observing, assessing and individualizing in the classroom with the goal of creating responsive curriculum. It also introduces students to the professional roles and expectations of early childhood educators through participation in the daily routines of the classroom. Students will complete 8 hours weekly in a practicum setting and attend an accompanying 100 minutes of class on child development and curriculum issues. Prerequisite(s): ECH and ECS majors only; ECH 150 or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 201 - Language Development, Early Literacy, and Children's Literature

This course familiarizes early childhood teachers with language acquisition in children ages 0-5 and with the connection between language development and emergent literacy. It introduces students to the developmental stages of oral language, writing, and reading; acquaints them with multicultural variables that impact language and literacy; and helps them to relate this understanding to infant/toddler and preschool settings. Students also learn ways of selecting, evaluating, and using developmentally appropriate children's literature. Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 and ECH 150; ECH and ECS majors only; or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 6

ECH 232 - Social Science for the Young Child

Focuses on the development of curriculum in the social sciences for young children ages birth through 8. Topics include the links between cognitive development and appropriate curriculum content, development of curriculum in specific areas of the social sciences, community resources for teaching, and relevant standards for designing, implementing and assessing curriculum. Prerequisite(s): ECH 150; ECH and ECS majors only; one social science course or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 250 - Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care

This course examines diverse approaches to infant toddler development and care. Students participate in a weekly practicum (4 hours) and seminar to increase understanding of the roles of adults, planning curriculum, and the different programs for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. Emphasis is on the study of early development and working with parents. Prerequisite(s): ECH 150; ECH and ECS majors only or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

	ECH 256 - Creative Arts and Technology for the Young Child
	Focuses on planning and implementing curriculum in visual arts, music, movement, literature and drama in early educational settings. Students also become acquainted with the use of technology for artistic expression in preschool and K-3 classrooms. The application of course material with young children is an integral part of the course. Every year. Credit: 4

	ECH 277 - Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
	Provides students with the opportunity to cover specialized topics not included in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. (Pass/Fail option) Varies. Credit: 2-4

ECH 293 - Intermediate Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education

Intermediate level practicum further develops professional skills and knowledge acquired in prior classes, with a focus on curriculum and working with families. Students will work 8 hours weekly in an early childhood setting; an accompanying seminar will highlight contemporary issues in curriculum development, developing family partnerships, and emerging professional issues. Students will undertake portfolios that demonstrate their emerging competence according to professional standards. Prerequisite(s):  ECH 150; ECH and ECS majors only; completion or concurrent enrollment in a curriculum course or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 336 - Development of Mathematical Concepts in Young Children

Focuses on developmentally appropriate mathematics curricula and instruction for children aged 0 through 8. The application of principles of whole child development to the nurturance of mathematical and pre-mathematical concepts in early childhood education will be emphasized. Students will apply their learning through creating and utilizing concrete materials with young children. Prerequisite(s): MAT 103M or an equivalent course and Candidacy in Education or permission of instructor. Credit: 4

ECH 367 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs

Focus is on the advanced planning and operational concerns of an early childhood administrator. Emphasis is on the non-curricular aspects of program planning and administration of early care and education enterprises. The course offers comprehensive resource information on legal requirements and responsibilities relating to the licensing of early childhood facilities, basic understanding of budgeting, staffing, and information on professional, community, and state organizations and agencies supporting early childhood programs. Students will apply their learning through 25 hours of volunteering in an early care and education program. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. Credit: 4

	ECH 377 - Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
	Provides students with the opportunity to cover specialized topics not included in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies. Credit: 1-4

ECH 384 - Science Education for Young Children

Focuses on constructivist models of teaching and learning and science content knowledge for young children ages birth to eight years. Emphasis of the course will be on teaching and assessment techniques, strategies and activities that may be used to teach a diverse community of learners in the early childhood science classroom. This course will include opportunities for application. Prerequisite(s): one laboratory science course and Candidacy or permission of the instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

	ECH 397 - Independent Study in Early Childhood Education
	Independent study provides an opportunity for a student to initiate, design and carry out a research project or educational activity under supervision of appropriate staff. Varies. Credit: 1-4

ECH 402 - Diverse Programming in Early Childhood Environments

This is a distance-learning course designed for the early childhood educator interested in learning how to incorporate diversity and multiculturalism into the classroom with an emphasis on curriculum building.  Students will study the reality of increasing diversity within the classroom setting including issues relating to class, ethnicity, religion, exceptionality, gender and language.  Included in the analysis of diversity will be how to move beyond cultural stereotyping using diversity as a caregiving and teaching strategy.  Students will have the opportunity to emerge with a deeper understanding of multiculturalism and how to integrate meaningful diversity into their lesson plans. Prerequisite(s): Regular access to a computer, high speed internet, and basic computer skills as defined by the instructor; Candidacy, practicing educator, cohort member, or permission of instructor. Every other summer. Credit: 4

ECH 420 - Planning Environments for Young Children

Assists early childhood professionals in designing, programming and implementing an environment that supports the growth of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school children, and their caregivers in early care and education. Focus on inclusive environments such as child care, nursery schools and prekindergartens, playgrounds, recreational spaces, and other community-based programs for young children. Multi-disciplinary approach drawing from the fields of Early Childhood Education, Child Development and Architecture. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 430 - Theories of Learning and Curriculum Development

Applies developmental theory to the construction of curriculum in Early Childhood Education. Studies on child development and learning and the varying effects of different curricular approaches are read and utilized for planning and evaluating programs. Particular attention is given to matching models with needs of children from diverse family backgrounds. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 440 - Children, Families, and Communities

Examines the demographic diversity of contemporary American families and early care, and education's multiple roles in responding to that diversity. The role of community in supporting families will be examined through reading theoretical reviews and research studies and evaluating community resources. Current practice that enhances family involvement will be evaluated. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 450 - Senior Seminar: Research in Early Childhood Education

Designed to explore the role of research in current topics in Early Childhood Education, this synthesizing course examines research and practice through an in-depth study of a particular issue. Each topic of contemporary relevance will be chosen by the instructor. Each student demonstrates ability to read and discuss technical aspects of relevant research and to conduct a small study on the topic. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy or permission of instructor. Every year. Credit: 4

ECH 460 - Student Teaching and Seminar in Early Childhood Education K-3

Student teachers participate in a variety of supervised experiences in a school to enable them to synthesize educational theory and academic knowledge in K-3 classrooms.  Following a school's schedule and working with classroom teachers, their students and other school personnel, student teachers increase their responsibilities over time. The target is to assume a full teaching load including all of the non-teaching duties. Students participate in a weekly seminar during their student teaching experience. Prerequisite(s):  A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher; Candidacy; completion of all professional courses with a B- or higher with one exemption (not including practica); and pass the Praxis II Exam for the Education of Young Children at or above the level established by the State of Maine. (Pass/Fail only) Credit: 16

	ECH 477 - Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
	Provides students with the opportunity to cover specialized topics not included in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s):  Candidacy or permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies. Credit: 1-4

ECH 490 - Internship in Early Childhood Education

A semester-long internship for senior students in Early Childhood Education that places interns in early care and education settings, such as nursery school/prekindergarten, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Interns attend a weekly seminar and develop a portfolio that synthesizes their learning and demonstrates their ability to meet NAEYC professional standards. Prerequisite(s): Meet Internship eligibility requirements as described in the Program Requirements; Candidacy or permission of instructor. Credit: 4-8