Early Childhood Education (ECHE)

ECHE 3301. Social Guidance - Young Child. 3 Hours.

Students study the theory, principles, and methods employed in the socialization, guidance, and management of children birth-3 years. The emphasis of the course is on promoting children's successful adjustment to multiple ecological systems to encourage the development of self-discipline and executive function. Sixteen (16) hours of field experience required. Corequiste: ECHE 3316.
Prerequisite: Requires admission to the Educator Preparation Program.

ECHE 3302. Early Childhood Education Theories. 3 Hours.

Students focus on philosophies of learning through examination of the cognitive, behavioral, and social learning theories relevant to early childhood education. Students examine the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical perspective to gain an understanding of how they impact the early childhood learning environment and curriculum.

ECHE 3313. Early Childhood Cognition. 3 Hours.

Students examine the early years of life as a distinct period in child development. Students will analyze how children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional development shape their understanding of the world. Students will evaluate the roles of the child, the family, and the environment in influencing development and learning. Course Equivalents: ECHE 2313 .

ECHE 3316. Assessment in Early Childhood. 3 Hours.

Students develop knowledge about a variety of assessment procedures appropriate for use with young children. Advantages and limitations of assessment techniques, including standardized test results, are examined. Observation techniques and authentic, classroom-based assessments are major areas of emphasis in the course. Sixteen (16) hours of field experience required. Corequiste ECHE 3301.
Prerequisite: Requires admission to the Educator Preparation Program.

ECHE 3325. Creative Arts for Educators. 3 Hours.

Students examine children’s creative thought and expression. Students will integrate the fine arts into core subject areas to foster developmentally appropriate learning and growth.

ECHE 3363. Working With Families in Diverse Communities. 3 Hours.

This course is an in-depth study of the relationships between families and schools in diverse communities. Topics addressed in this course include discussions of major theories that support partnerships with parents; models for parent, school, and community partnerships; home, school and community influences on children's lives; parenting styles; family dynamics; parent education strategies; communication with parents; and the rights and responsibilities of parents, children and teachers. Field experience with young children, their families, and the community will be required.
Prerequisite: 60 hours.

ECHE 4088. Special Topics in Early Childhood Education. 1-3 Hours.

This course is designed to permit individual students to study specific areas of interest and need. Course Equivalents: ECHE 4388
Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair.

ECHE 4089. Independent Study in Early Childhood Ed. 1-3 Hours.

Students will engage in independent study of selected topics under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will identify and investigate a topic that is mutually selected and approved in collaboration with the faculty member.

ECHE 4333. Developmentally Appropriate Programs for Young Children. 3 Hours.

Students will examine and apply developmentally appropriate practices in schools for young children, design appropriate curriculum and instruction, develop thematic units, and analyze the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as major areas of emphasis.
Prerequisite: 60 hours.

ECHE 4343. Curriculum for Early Childhood. 3 Hours.

In this course, students analyze and practice developmentally appropriate pedagogy that strengthens the link between age appropriate, active, engaged learning with identified state standards for the prekinder and kindergarten classroom. Fifteen hours of field experience in early childhood classrooms are required as part of this course.

ECHE 4349. Language and Literacy Development. 3 Hours.

Candidates will investigate language acquisition and early literacy experiences of children from birth through kindergarten. Special emphasis is given to the characteristics of early learning environments and the teacher's role in the development of language processes, early experiences with print, and integrating early language and literacy activities into experiences of young children.
Prerequisite: ECHE 3313.

ECHE 4350. Preschool Child Wellness. 3 Hours.

In this course candidates will identify and analyze principles of wellness in the early childhood setting. Topics include health and physical fitness, signs of neglect and abuse, educator legal and ethical responsibilities, and communication with parents regarding young children's well being.
Prerequisite: 60 hours.

ECHE 4399. Student Teaching Early Child Classroom. 3 Hours.

Students engage in a supervised clinical experience in early childhood education across two placements totaling approximately 12–14 weeks. The clinical experience includes structured observation, instructional planning, implementation of developmentally appropriate instruction, assessment, and professional conferencing. Placements occur in early childhood classrooms representing Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade certification.
Prerequisite: Admission to Student Teaching Program.