Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE)

This course will facilitate students' understanding of the purpose of research, develop a knowledge base of qualitative and quantitative research, recognize the role of research to inform and guide teaching practice for all young children and their families, evaluate research in inclusive early childhood education, and understand the ethics involved in research and practice.

This course will require students to review principles of curriculum design and assessment, and examine research related to best practice for early childhood settings. Students will apply their understanding of children, curriculum and assessment to develop a systematic approach to planning and assessing learning that is standards based and developmentally appropriate.

This practicum places students in a setting serving either preschoolers or infants and toddlers. Settings may include home, community, and school based programs. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of typical and atypical development, appropriate learning environments, assessments, and activities, and the importance of play. Students will work directly with professionals and families.

This course provides the student with exposure to and knowledge of various systematic, individualized behavioral interventions as they apply to young children. The student will develop skills in using these behavior interventions, as appropriate, with young children exhibiting difficulties in learning, behavior and/or social skills.

This seminar accompanies IECE 680 and provides students with the opportunity to reflect on, evaluate and improve their experiences as pre-professional educators of young children. Students will evaluate and build their own resiliency, identify ethical dilemmas, and engage in joint problem solving and ethical decision making related to their student teaching experience. Students will enhance their abilities to collaborate with families and other service providers.

This course examines the role of the inclusive early childhood educator as a leader. Students will discuss and develop knowledge and skills for advocacy, collaboration, ethical behavior, and professionalism.

This course allows students to examine play theories, research and creativity in terms of human growth and development. Students will explore pedagogical issues with a focus on all children in the context of formal and informal settings. Students will use play observations and assessment to select appropriate methods and materials to support young children's creativity, play and representations.

This student teaching experience provides students with opportunities to apply, in learning environments for young children, the knowledge, skills and dispositions acquired throughout their teacher licensure program. Under the guidance of university supervisors and cooperating teachers, student teachers gradually assume full responsibility as the inclusive early childhood educator.