Theories of play and the development of play as central to children's learning. Knowledge and skills in structuring the classroom environment and curriculum experiences which will support and enrich a child's developmental domains. Multicultural perspectives and needs of exceptional children addressed.

Supervised field experience in early childhood settings. Observation and participation in classroom settings is required with a focus on observing and assessing children's development and language use, observing types of programs, and assessing management styles and techniques. Seminars and group discussions included. Four laboratory hours per week.

Intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development, prenatal through grade four, within ecological context. Critical thinking, creative expression, the parenting role and developmental diagnosis including assessment of development, normal and abnormal, will be addressed.

Programs for young children and the historical, social, economic, and philosophical influences on education. Attention is given to learning activities, materials, and equipment for kindergarten and primary grades. The assessment of readiness and maturation and the relationship of various subject areas to the child’s development are emphasized.

Principles, practices, and content of family dynamics including family literacy and practices for involving parents/families in early childhood settings.

Supervised field experience in early childhood settings. Observation and participation in classroom settings is required with a focus on inquiry, literacy specific instructional strategies and assessments, as well as reading and writing in math, science, social studies and creative arts. Lesson implementation, formative literacy assessments, parent/guardian interest surveys, and group discussions included. Four laboratory hours per week required.

The relationship of language acquisition and communicative skills and young children through theoretical and evidence-based foundations. Included are instructional approaches designed to develop vocabulary and oral language, phonemic awareness and phonics, concepts about print, and initial reading and writing processes.

Materials and programs for teaching and assessing mathematics and the methods and theories for developing Instructional strategies in mathematics, including integration of literacy instruction. Competence is gained in the selection, preparation, and presentation of materials.

Materials and programs for teaching social studies content, including integration of literacy instruction. Application of instructional strategies that connect social studies concepts to social problems and the socialization of children.

Materials and programs for teaching and assessing science including, integration of literacy instruction and the methods and theories of developing science programs. Competence is gained in the selection, preparation, and presentation of materials.

Capstone seminar for teacher candidates completing student teaching. Candidates complete end-of-program assessments.

A supervised clinical experience, consisting of 14 weeks in an early childhood grades (4K-3) placement in a public school. This experience includes an exploration of legal and ethical issues, research through analysis and evaluation of teaching, and completion of a professional portfolio. Pass/Fail credit.

The dynamic relationships among classroom diversity, student behavior, instruction, and assessment. Knowledge and skills in the interaction of these classroom elements are developed through field experiences and reflection.