Early Childhood Education Courses offered at NICC
Associate of Arts-Early Childhood Education
Designed to provide students with knowledge of pre-school children. Courses leading to this emphasis is designed to prepare the students for work in childcare and various governmental agencies. This program is also designed to provide sufficient general education courses to promote transfer into a four-year degree programs for education.
This course focuses on the development and application of materials, activities, and experiences that encourage the young child’s (birth-8 year olds’) creativity and aesthetic appreciation through visual arts, music, body movement, creative/open-ended thinking, dramatic arts, and play.
This course introduces a variety of observation, assessment and guidance strategies used in early childhood education settings birth through age eight.
This course focuses on typical / atypical development of children in the prenatal period of development through 36 months. Planning curriculum in the domains of physical growth and motor skills, cognition and language, and social / emotional development are examined across diverse settings.
This course focuses on typical / atypical development of the child ages 3 through 5 years, in the domains of physical growth and motor skills, cognition and language, and social / emotional development across diverse settings.
This course provides an overview of the history, trends, and philosophies of early childhood education. Diversity, inclusion, licensing standards, current legislation, professionalism, and advocacy are examined.
This course focuses on the development of literacy and language skills from birth to age eight, including typical/atypical and dual/multiple language learners.
This course is designed to provide an orientation to practicum experiences in the early childhood education program. Students will review the process for setting up a practicum, forms used during practicum, understand child care licensing requirements for their state, and have their names cleared through appropriate background checks. Students will understand practicum expectations and responsibilities, methods of evaluation, and the importance of professionalism in the workplace.
This course focuses on typical/atypical development of the child ages 5-12 years in the domains of physical growth and motor skills, cognition and language, and social/emotional development.
This course addresses the interrelatedness of health, safety, and nutrition in the life of a young child, birth through age eight. Practices that assess and promote good health are introduced. Effective control of communicable diseases and acute illnesses found in the early childhood years and early education settings is addressed. Safety management and the handling of child abuse and neglect are examined. Students learn appropriate nutritional guidelines and practices for planning meals and snacks in the classroom.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the developmental stages of children from birth through 18 months-of-age by participating in hands-on learning experiences in diverse early childhood care and education settings. Students will develop an awareness of appropriate adult/child interaction while developing positive employee skills. Basic skills in planning and implementing a daily routine and curriculum activities for infants are presented. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of practical work experience. A passing grade of “C” or better is required for ECED majors. (Previously known as ECED 1521) *Pre- or Co-requisite: ECED 1110 and 1220
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the developmental stages of children 18 months through 36 months-of-age by participating in hands-on learning experiences in diverse early childhood care and education settings. Students will develop an awareness of appropriate adult/child interaction while developing positive employee skills. Basic skills in planning and implementing a daily routine and curriculum activities for toddlers are presented. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of practical work experience. A passing grade of “C” or better is required for ECED majors. (Previously known as ECED 1522) *Pre- or Co-requisite: ECED 1110 and 1220
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the developmental stages of children from three to five years of age by participating in hands-on learning experiences in diverse early care and education settings. Students will develop an awareness of appropriate adult/child interaction while developing positive employee skills. Basic skills in planning and implementing a daily routine and curriculum activities for children from three to five years of age are also presented. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of practical work experience. A passing grade of “C” or better is required for all ECED majors. (Previously known as ECED 1520) *Pre- or Co-requisite: ECED 1220 and 1120
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the developmental stages of children from five to eight years of age by participating in hands-on learning experiences in diverse early care and education settings. Students will develop an awareness of appropriate adult/child interaction while developing positive employee skills. Basic skills in planning and implementing a daily routine and curriculum activities for school age children presented. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of practical work experience. A passing grade of “C” or better is required for all ECED majors. (Previously known as ECED 1545) *Pre- or Co-requisite: ECED 1220 and 1230
This course focuses on the theory, development and philosophy of early childhood education programs serving children (from birth to age 8) with exceptionalities. Topics include working with families, legislation, role of the interventionist, interdisciplinary teams and inclusion of children with special needs in natural environments. Observation of inclusionary practices and exceptional children are required.*Strongly suggested: Prior knowledge of child growth and development.
This course prepares students to plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children ages 3-8 years of age. Topics include writing goals and objectives, lesson plans, daily schedules, working with parents, and inclusionary practices.
This course focuses on the development of skills, techniques and attitudes needed to form successful collaboration with diverse family systems and communities. Ten hours of volunteer service learning required.
This course will focus on a systematic approach to effective program planning and operations and will include specific plans for meeting the needs of children and their families. Emphasis will be placed on organization, policy and procedures, record keeping, staff management, and budgeting. Future trends toward child care operations will be examined.
(Previously known as ECE 290)
INTERNSHIP