ECE Early Childhood Education Courses at Global Campus

In this course, students will explore how strong, positive partnerships with families and communities can enrich early childhood education and child development. Emphasis is placed on understanding child development within the broader contexts of family, culture, language, and society.  Learners will design inclusive strategies that reflect and celebrate the strengths and values of diverse families and discover ways to connect with resources to enhance learning and foster meaningful community ties. Through collaborative planning, students will apply assessment tools and data-informed practices to support young children’s growth across all learning domains. The course also challenges students to reflect on their role as compassionate educators and advocates, capable of nurturing trusting relationships and leading positive change in the field.

This course describes the stages of developmental growth from conception to early childhood. Students will evaluate theory and research that explains the development of young children. Students will describe how biological, environmental, protective, and adverse factors impact children’s development and learning. They will also analyze developmentally appropriate practices supporting growth and development in physical, cognitive, social and emotional, and linguistic domains. Finally, students will analyze how development and learning intersect across developmental domains.

In this course, students will evaluate the essential components of quality literature and media in early childhood education and the role of children’s literature in culturally diverse environments. Learners will also examine strategies for utilizing literature with young children and their families, develop the skills to propose developmentally appropriate strategies in the use and delivery of literature and media in early childhood education, and design and implement developmentally appropriate activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and imagination through the exploration of children's literature.

In this course, students will explore cognitive development from infancy through adolescence. They will be responsible for identifying the theoretical frameworks that support cognitive development. Students will have the opportunity to explain the development of perception, attention, and memory. Students will utilize the concepts of knowledge, categorization, and conceptual development in professional contexts. They will also evaluate concepts of language development, thinking, reasoning, and decision making in diverse environments. Additionally, students will prepare to support cognitive development through professional collaboration.

In this course students explore the significant role and impact of play on the development of children. Students will actively participate in discussions and activities related to major theorists, current research on play, the developmental stages of play, cultural influences, and current trends and topic related to play. 

This course will explore the multifaceted dynamics of childhood development within the context of diverse family structures. Students will delve into key theories of family systems, attachment, and child development, examining how these theories impact children's social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. The course will emphasize the importance of building strong, respectful, and collaborative partnerships with families. Students will learn strategies for effective communication and culturally sensitive family engagement. Furthermore, the course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess children's developmental needs and explore evidence-based practices for promoting positive behavior.

The course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the early childhood educator in supporting and promoting the development of children and positive partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds. This course explores the complex dynamics within families and communities and emphasizes the importance of cultural responsiveness, inclusivity, and equity in early childhood education.

This course provides students with an immersive opportunity to connect theory to practice in early childhood education. A key component of the course is the inclusion of virtual experiences that allow students to observe and practice with professionals and families in supporting children with diverse needs. Through guided observations and reflective practice, students will explore the principles of creating inclusive, responsive, and supportive learning environments that nurture each child’s development. The course emphasizes the importance of collaboration, ethical decision-making, and cultural responsiveness in fostering meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Students will also gain insight into the professional roles and responsibilities within the field, preparing them to navigate diverse educational settings.

Students in this course will be introduced to the professional knowledge, skills, dispositions, and standards expected of early childhood education professionals and innovative leaders in the field. Further, this course will introduce several programmatic themes—social justice, 21st century teaching and learning, and leadership—to inspire students to be active early childhood advocates for children. Students will also gain insights and understanding related to the academic, personal, and professional expectations of graduate students to support their success in the MAECEL program and in their profession.

This course will provide a clear and practical introduction to multicultural and anti-bias issues and will aid students in developing culturally relevant methods in working with children and families in early childhood settings.