
Course Descriptions
Early Childhood Education Course Descriptions
ECE 102   S.T.A.R.S. Childcare Basics (2 Credits)
Provides the opportunity to deepen an understanding of specific areas related to health and safety, child development, guidance, and child abuse recognition. This course satisfies the basic 20-hour S.T.A.R.S. Washington State licensing training requirement. S/U grade option.
ECE 110   Applied Child Development (5 Credits)
Examines major child development theories that are the basis of professionally defined best practices at the early childhood (birth-8) level. Investigates key theories from an application and educational perspective for teachers of young children. S/U grade option.
ECE 115   Introduction to Early Childhood Education (5 Credits)
Examines the world of early childhood education through the eyes of a teacher, defines and assists the process of professional growth and investigates critical issues influencing the quality of early childhood education. S/U grade option.
ECE 117   Health and Safety (2 Credits)
Applies learning of health and safety to an early childhood program for young children within a developmental framework for the well-being of children. S/U grade option.
ECE 120   Mathematics for ECE (5 Credits)
Mathematical knowledge and skills that strengthen an appreciation and basic competency in mathematics. Investigation of math concepts and strategies based on content relevant to teaching mathematics at the early childhood level.
Prerequisite: Placement into MATH 060.
ECE 130   Science for ECE (5 Credits)
Focuses on scientific knowledge and skills that strengthen an understanding of foundational knowledge of life and physical sciences. Students engage in the investigation of scientific principles based on content relevant to teaching science at the early childhood level.
ECE 134   Workshop in Early Childhood Education (2 Credits)
Consists of three full-day seminars during the quarter with a special focus on topics of current interest in the early childhood field. Instructors are recognized early childhood professionals with a high level of expertise and experience on their topic. S/U grade option..
ECE 140   Special Topics (5 Credits)
Workshops for educators who are employed in an early childhood setting. Course content and design will vary each quarter. S/U grade only.
ECE 155   Special Topics (5 Credits)
An introductory level workshop in early childhood education. Course content and design will vary each quarter. S/U grade only.
ECE 208   Early Childhood Field Practicum (5 Credits)
A field based course to further growth as an early childhood professional. A variety of learning experiences are carried out for the children and practicum students. Focus is on application of concepts from previous ECE coursework. S/U grade option.
ECE 209   Early Childhood Practicum (5 Credits)
A field based course to further growth as an early childhood professional. A variety of learning experiences are carried out for the children and practicum students. Focus is on application of concepts from previous ECE coursework. S/U grade option.
ECE 210   Early Childhood Practicum (5 Credits)
A field based course to further growth as an early childhood professional. A variety of learning experiences are carried out for the children and practicum students. Focus is on application of concepts from previous ECE coursework. S/U grade option.
ECE 216   Curriculum Development and Observation (5 Credits)
Obtain theoretical and practical understanding of planning curriculum for young children. Students learn to create a program based on knowledge of children's development and interests that is guided by observation. S/U grade option.
ECE 218   Positive Guidance and Environmental Planning (4 Credits)
Gain knowledge and skills in positive guidance techniques that support the growth and development of young children. Students learn to encourage successful behaviors through effective teaching strategies and purposeful planning of the environment. S/U grade option.
ECE 236   Creative Expression (3 Credits)
Learn to plan experiences that allow children to express their creative ideas and feelings. Focuses on strategies and understanding of the creative process. S/U grade option.
ECE 237   Math and Science Experiences (3 Credits)
Learn how young children develop foundational understanding of math and science through exploration of the physical and natural environment. Students learn strategies that encourage investigation and problem-solving through active experiences. S/U grade option.
ECE 239   Language and Literacy:CD (4 Credits)
Learn how young children develop language and literacy skills. Exploration of children's literature is the foundation of activities and curriculum that integrates language with beginning reading and writing concepts in a culturally diverse society. S/U grade option.
ECE 241   Education of Preschoolers (3 Credits)
Explores professionally defined standards and Developmentally Appropriate Practices for the education of preschoolers. Students will examine teaching strategies, knowledge and planning that authentically support children's development. S/U grade option.
ECE 243   Parent-Teacher Partnerships (3 Credits)
Gain knowledge of the importance of parent-teacher partnerships in the education of young children. Students will develop skills in building relationships, supporting families and enhancing parent involvement in early childhood programs. S/U grade option.
ECE 248   Working with Infants & Toddlers (3 Credits)
Introduction to the care and education of infants and toddlers. Students will gain knowledge about development, appropriate environments and relationships that support healthy development in these foundational years. S/U grade option.
ECE 249   Activities for Infant and Toddlers (3 Credits)
Explore teaching strategies and activities that support infant and toddler growth and development. Focus is placed on developing skills to plan an engaging and caring environment. S/U grade option.
ECE 250   Connecting W/Infant/Toddlers (3 Credits)
Investigates and strengthens teacher/caregiver strategies using a relationship-based approach to support the growth of infants and toddlers. Focus is on strategies to foster trust and independence through respectful, responsive, and reciprocal teacher-child interactions.
ECE 255   Special Topics (5 Credits)
An advanced workshop in early childhood education. Course content and design will vary each quarter. S/U grade option.
ECE 280   Leadership in Early Childhood Education (4 Credits)
Explore leadership development in early childhood programs. Develop skills in collaboration, team-building, decision-making and advocacy for children and families. S/U grade option.
ECE 298   Individual Project in Early Childhood Education (1-5 Credits)
Study of student-selected project or approved experiences in the field of early childhood education. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 10 Credits.
Prerequisite: Student must meet with instructor prior to registering for this course. S/U grade option.



