Early Childhood Education

The program is based on the premise that early childhood education encompasses continuous education of young children from birth through age eight. The interdisciplinary approach for educating teachers of young children develops competencies in using community resources to coordinate the efforts of home, school and community in providing a comprehensive program. Firsthand experiences of students with young children, professional personnel and community resources personnel begin early in professional preparation and continue throughout the program.

Students may apply for an early childhood education major with a special education minor or may add an early childhood education minor to a major in elementary education.

Students who successfully meet state required competencies qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Completion of the education program does not guarantee certification. Satisfactory continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy, and professionalism as well as satisfactory performance during clinical practice is required in the recommendation for certification.

Failure to apply for Nebraska Teacher Certification at the time of program completion/graduation may result in your program not meeting Rule 20 or 24 changes in interim between application and program completion. Rule changes in effect at the time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies.

Since certification requirements of various sites are not uniform, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.

Students seeking an ECE major must select a minor in Special Education in order to apply for an Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement (Birth-3rd grade). Students seeking both ECE and Elementary Education endorsements should consult with the program director. Students completing an Early Childhood Education minor in addition to their Elementary Education major will be able to apply for a Supplemental Early Childhood Education endorsement (Prek- 3rd grade). Program admission criteria and requirements are identical to that of the elementary education major (refer to elementary education admission, field experiences and certification requirements).

  • Early Childhood Education supplemental can only be taken with an elementary endorsement as per Nebraska law.

Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Intensive reading and writing experiences are integrated into all Teacher Education courses.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

ECE 101: Introduction to Education

(Also taught as High School Dual Enrollment course) Students survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues. Emphasis is placed on the cultural diversity of American schools today. Students complete observations in school settings.

ECE 101: Introduction to Education

Students survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues. Emphasis is placed on the cultural diversity of American schools today. Students complete observations in school settings. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

ECE 232: Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood

Students select, plan, organize, and evaluate activities that facilitate language skills development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Content Standards. Theories in language acquisition are presented. Course requirements include a 10 hour field experience. Concurrent courses: ECE 234 and ECE 236

ECE 233: Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Early Childhood Programs

Students learn to plan programs that ensure the health, safety, and nutrition of young children. Students learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Content Standards. Basic information on managing accidents and injuries, identifying child abuse, and planning health, safety, and nutrition education are included. Course requirements include a 10 hour field experience. Concurrent courses: ECE 231 and ECE 235

ECE 234: Teaching Math/Science/Social Studies in Early Childhood Education

Students select, plan, organize, and evaluate activities that facilitate learning of mathematical and scientific concepts and social awareness in young children. Students learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Content Standards. Course requirements include a 10 hour field experience. Concurrent courses: ECE 232 and ECE 236

ECE 236: Physical Development and Movement Education in Early Childhood

Students select, plan, organize, and evaluate activities that facilitate physical development of young children through physical activity, creative movement, and dance. Students learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Content Standards. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Includes discussion of both fine and gross motor development. Course requirements include a 10 hour field experience Concurrent courses: ECE 232 and ECE 234

ECE 242: Administering Early Childhood Education Programs

Students learn the duties and responsibilities of administrators of early childhood programs. These include preparation, implementation, and evaluation of educational objectives, selection, supervision and evaluation of staff members, budgeting processes, food and health services, discussion of laws and regulations, and development of parent education and community participation.

ECE 334: Early Childhood Curriculum Development

Students learn to plan, organize, and manage early childhood curriculum. Preparation of goal statements, objectives, schedules, and units are included. Early childhood curriculum models and developmentally appropriate practices will be examined. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

ECE 342: Children'92s Literature

Students interact with a wide variety of children's literature that is representative of ethnic and cultural diversity. Critical appraisal in light of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level are emphasized. Techniques and procedures for promoting lifelong reading habits are explored. (Also listed as EDU 342.)

ECE 343: History, Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education

Students evaluate history and philosophical theories and current trends in education and gain experience in applying theories. Discussion of current legislation, advocacy, and professional ethics is included. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

ECE 496: Research Seminar

Students evaluate educational research and analyze procedures, logic and strategies implemented by researchers. Students complete research projects demonstrating effective research designs. Presentation of papers to faculty members and the public is required. (Also listed as EDU 496 and SPE 496.)

ECE 621: Curriculum Design and Program Planning

Students will examine effective practices, procedures and theories for the development, implementation and evaluation of quality early childhood curriculum. A major focus of the course is the relationship among curriculum, instruction and assessment as a basis for creating and evaluating developmentally appropriate learning environments. The course includes exploration of various curriculum models used in the field.

ECE 631: Play and the Integrated Early Childhood Curriculum

This course will focus on the nature and the value of play as essential to children's language, social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Students will learn the principles of developmentally appropriate practice and be able to plan, organize and evaluate activities, develop curricular plans and set up effective indoor and outdoor learning environments. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Students will complete field experiences in early childhood classrooms as part of the course requirements.

ECE 632: Advanced Language Development & Literacy in Early Childhood

Students learn to select, plan, organize and evaluate activities that facilitate language skills development in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Theories in language acquisition are presented. This course includes instruction in skills and strategies for teaching and integrating extensive reading and writing skills, and instruction in teaching and guiding students in reading for enjoyment and understanding. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Students will complete field experiences in early childhood classrooms as part of the course requirements.

ECE 634: Early Childhood Education Theories and Practices

This course provides an overview of the theoretical models that have a significant influence on the development of various early childhood curricula. A historical perspective of early childhood education is provided, leading up to and including present-day practices. Students will learn to apply theory to practice within the classroom setting for children ages' birth through eight and with designing family engagement activities.

ECE 635: Observation, Documentation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education

Students learn to observe and assess children objectively, analyze their learning habits and provide for meeting the needs of children. Use of informal observation strategies and developmentally appropriate standardized assessment tools will be addressed. Students will learn requirements for Results Matter assessment tools and become familiar with Teaching Strategies GOLD. Students will apply skills in designated field experiences with young children. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

ECE 642: Early Childhood Program Organization and Leadership

Students learn the duties and responsibilities of leaders of early childhood programs and agencies. The development of leadership and advocacy skills will be emphasized. Students will become informed about laws and regulations that impact licensing, regulation and accreditation of early childhood programs. Professional ethics and dispositions and professional development will be addressed.

ECE 642: Early Childhood Program Organization and Leadership

Students learn the duties and responsibilities of leaders of early childhood programs and agencies. The development of leadership and advocacy skills will be emphasized. Students will become informed about laws and regulations that impact licensing, regulation and accreditation of early childhood programs. Professional ethics and dispositions and professional development will be addressed.