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• Prerequisite: ECE 2 and ECE 24.

This course explores the appropriate use of assessments to support students’ development and learning. It covers various methods of observation and data collection, tools, and strategies including time management and legal and ethical responsibilities. The course emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan differentiated instruction, classroom environments, and to provide the basis for family partnerships. The course is designed for those working with students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and early education classrooms.

This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: Social/Emotional Development, Language/Literacy, English Language Development, Visual and Performing Arts. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or preschool, transitional kindergarten, and early education teachers.

This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: History/Social Studies, Math, Science, Health, and Physical Development. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or pre-school, transitional kindergarten, and early-primary teachers.

• Prerequisite: ECE 25 and (ECE 26 or ECE 27).

Designed for students at the end of their Transitional Kindergarten certificate program. Student teachers will participate in 36 hours of supervised clinical practice in a transitional kindergarten classroom. Student teachers will be expected to demonstrate developmentally appropriate teaching competencies, making connections between theory and practice, and professional teaching behaviors. Relationships with children and families; play-based approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as students design, implement and evaluate experiences. Students are required to possess one of the following: a valid Multiple Subject credential, current Certificate of Clearance, or a LiveScan completed at SMC. In addition, all students must show proof of negative TB test (within 365 days) and proof of immunizations.

• Prerequisite: ECE 22 or ECE 23 or ECE 28.

This course is designed for teachers working in early childhood or transitional kindergarten settings. Students examine their teaching philosophy and engage in the reflective practice cycle process. Students use a variety of instructional strategies, including purposeful play, to assess and support children’s learning and development. This course is the capstone course for the Transitional Kindergarten certificate.

This course is appropriate for classroom teachers in various settings, students will identify developmentally appropriate behaviors, challenging behaviors and the various influences that effect children’s behavior. Students will analyze children’s behaviors and select strategies to make positive changes. Emphasizes the connection between children’s social and emotional development and their success in the classroom, and how the teachers’ perceptions, experiences, and behavior influence child behaviors.

This course will enhance the capacity of early childhood educators to communicate effectively with families about development and developmental concerns. Topics covered will include an overview of typical and atypical child development, parenting and social challenges faced by families of children with special needs, the importance of developmental screening and effective communication strategies for working with families. The ultimate goal of the course is to enhance the relationships between parents and the providers who serve them.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course provides a developmental framework for planning and implementing experiences that support and extend children’s abilities to use language as a means of communication, as a medium of creative expression and as a tool in the development of logical thought. It introduces techniques for assessing children’s language skills and for developing a program to meet those needs through individual interactions and group activities. The course reviews the current research pertaining to language acquisition and pre-reading skills development within a culturally sensitive framework. Students will review children’s literature and obtain practice in story selection, reading and storytelling to young children.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21.
• Advisory: Experience as an early childhood teacher.

Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. This course meets the requirements of the State Department of Social Services for directors of programs under their supervision.

• Prerequisite: ECE 41.

Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course introduces students to the variations in development of individuals with special needs, with special emphasis on children ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Content includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws related to children with special needs, and identification and referral processes. The course covers various categories of disability, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, visual and hearing impairments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and giftedness.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course provides an in depth analysis of the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of infants and toddlers in the context of family. Further, it explores the crucial role that parents and family play in the day to day experiences that promote this primary relationship in a child’s life. Content covered will include assessment measures and direct observations of infants and toddlers which assist teachers and parents in the early identification of children with special needs including making appropriate referrals and providing culturally consistent care.

This course is designed to assist with planning and implementing a family childcare business serving children from birth to school-age. Aspects of family childcare from both a caregiving and business perspective will be addressed. Topics covered include the environment, guidance, self-care, curriculum, legal implications, licensing regulations, and business requirements. Another focus will be the development of a culturally sensitive and inclusive child-centered program. Effective communication methods between parents and providers as well as the connection of developmental theory to practice will be emphasized.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21.

Completing this course is one of the steps required to become a California Mentor Teacher. It does not guarantee automatic selection as a California Mentor Teacher.

Methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on reflective practice and the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires this course for Master Teacher, Site Supervisor and Program Director Permits Option One. California ECE Mentor Teacher program requires this course in order to apply to the Mentor program. As a component of course work, this class requires 4 hours of time to complete an infant/toddler or preschool live observation using a standard assessment tool and creation of a plan for mentoring.

• Prerequisite: ECE 45.

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with families. The course focuses on the use of observation and assessment, accommodations, and curriculum modifications in meeting the individual needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Content includes cultural awareness and competence, professional partnerships with families, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course applies child development principles to the planning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for both typically and atypically developing young children. Emphasis is placed on understanding how children develop problem-solving skills and on recognizing how teachers can facilitate inquiry-discovery experiences for young children with diverse learning styles and needs. Course work includes designing, planning for, participation in, and assessment of STEM challenges. These are created through classroom design, material selection, and learning to build upon a child’s natural curiosity.

In cooperation with the State Commission of Teacher Credentialing, this course will focus on the theories, research, and practical application of the Reggio Emilia Approach as applicable to early childhood education in the U.S. The key concepts of collaboration between parents, teachers and children; observation of how children construct theories; documentation and reflection of the learning process; the expanded role of the teacher as a co-constructor of knowledge, and the examination of the impact of the environment in facilitating children’s learning will be studied.

Formerly ECE 52.

This course highlights documentation as a process focusing on children’s experiences, thoughts and ideas during the course of their investigations, experiences, play, and relationship building. Documentation sharpens and focuses teacher’s own awareness of their role in further supporting children’s experiences and development. Pedagogical documentation is about the ongoing process of reflection and being intentional. Students will be introduced to the forms, tools, and uses of documentation as well as the elements by which effective documentation can make learning visible to children, parents and teachers.

Formerly ECE 53.

This course highlights the elements that can stimulate, sustain, enhance, or detract from living and learning in an early childhood classroom or outdoor space. This course includes principles of architecture and design based on the elements of Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Environments tool. The elements of the environment as they support relationships, engage senses, help create connections, promote literacy, and numeracy support problem solving, and provide intellectual and physical challenges, will be explored. In addition environments will be evaluated for elements including osmosis, sensory integration, flexibility, transparency, and narration.

The early childhood years are critical for children to gain knowledge and skills that provide the foundation for later learning. Young children learn through the interactions they have with their teachers. This course is intended to increase students’ knowledge about the vital role that teacher-child interactions play in learning and skill acquisition. Because language and early literacy skills are the gatekeepers for later school success, this course will also provide students with the knowledge they need to effectively implement language and literacy curricula through meaningful and intentional teacher-child interactions.