Bachelor of Science in Education/Early Childhood Education

3 Credits

This course transitions students through the foundations of study at University of Phoenix. Students develop personal strategies for achieving educational goals and develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

0 Credits

This course is designed to provide an orientation to the primary components of the Teacher Education Program. Students will be introduced to the program's progression and degree completion requirements. Field experience, student teaching, Teacher Work Sample, and technology resources will also be discussed.

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of early childhood education for children, birth through age 8. Topics include theories and history of early childhood education, play theories, program types and models, and public policy trends. This course examines the significance of developmentally effective learning experiences throughout early childhood programs.

3 Credits

This course examines the theories, concepts, and trends related to early childhood growth and development from prenatal development through the early school years. It examines the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children from birth through age 8/grade 3. The course focuses on defining the various stages as they impact instructional practices and decisions in the context of the early learning environment.

3 Credits

This course focuses on the theoretical models that underlie teaching and learning in the early childhood setting, birth through age 8 or through Grade 3. Students examine appropriate methods for teaching all young children, explore lesson plan designs, analyze the most effective, research-based teaching strategies to promote student learning, and develop a lesson plan.

3 Credits

This course introduces learners to the concepts of ethical reasoning and professional ethics in teaching. Learners will explore how their personal values and dispositions--whether inherited through culture and tradition or consciously adopted--interact with professional codes of ethics and ethical decision-making. Learners will examine ethical theories and the function of ethics in teaching. Ethical dilemmas in the education workplace will also be investigated.

1 Credits

This course focuses on the professional aspects of teaching. Students are introduced to the Teacher Work Sample that will be created during student teaching. Students will engage in self-evaluation to develop their own professional growth plans for inclusion in their portfolios. The character qualifications for becoming a teacher will be assessed through a personal interview, using letters of character reference, and a written reflective paper on the desire and reasons for joining the profession.

3 Credits

This course examines developmentally-effective strategies used in implementing and managing a positive and active early childhood learning environment within the framework of a diverse early childhood population. Topics include models of classroom management, establishing expectations and procedures, motivating children, family communication, managing off-task behaviors, technology integration, and materials management and record keeping. Students will develop an individual classroom management plan for an early childhood setting, birth through age 8 or Grade 3.

3 Credits

This course provides exposure to a variety of assessment techniques in early childhood education, including children with special needs. There is a focus on structured observations, use of behavioral rating scales, psycho-educational screening tests, and assessment of parent-child interactions. Formal and informal parent contacts, interviewing techniques, the use of technology in the assessment process, and referrals to school and community resources are also explored. Emphasis is placed on developmental and differentiated assessment strategies for children birth through age 8.

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the exceptional young child in early childhood education who may require accommodations and adaptations. The course focuses on developmentally-effective methods and techniques used for the identification, assessment, and instruction of children with special needs from birth to age 8. Legal structures, public policy, and information related to current practices serving exceptional young children in early childhood are also examined.

3 Credits

This course focuses on establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships among families, early childhood learning environments, and communities to support children's learning and development. Candidates explore the topics of family diversity, building relationships, and the role of advocacy in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on creating family and community partnerships as well as connecting students, families, and schools to available community services.

3 Credits

This course will introduce students to the concept of and methods for instructing English learners in a Structured English Immersion (SEI) environment. Students examine the legal and historical foundations of SEI and the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards. The Arizona Language Development Approach (LDA) and SEI models are introduced, including language development and acquisition learning theories. Additionally, students analyze the identification and assessment process for English learner (EL) eligibility, as well as culturally relevant instructional practices for English learners and family engagement. This course is designed to meet the standards set by the Arizona Department of Education.

3 Credits

This course focuses on creating an environment in the early childhood setting that promotes literacy skill development. This course will help teachers create developmentally effective learning environments that promote listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

3 Credits

In this course, students learn about children's language and literacy development from birth to age 8. Students examine theories of language development and second language acquisition; the needs of English learners; and strategies for engaging children in integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing experiences. Integration of content area standards, development of hands-on learning experiences, and developmentally effective assessments as a means of informing instruction are also emphasized.

3 Credits

This course focuses on mathematical methodology and assessment strategies for young children. Integration of content, appropriate instructional strategies, and curriculum and assessment planning are emphasized. Multiple perspectives of young children as learners of mathematics and current research on mathematics pedagogy are explored. Students evaluate and use instructional methods, curricular materials, technological resources, and appropriate assessment strategies. Special attention is given to using manipulatives in math instruction and developing problem-solving skills.

3 Credits

This course focuses on understanding and using developmentally effective practices to teach and to integrate science concepts and skills in early childhood education (birth through age 8). Developing meaningful curricular content, modifications, hands-on learning experiences, and integration of early childhood content area standards are explored. A foundation in developmentally effective teaching and assessment of the content area is provided.

3 Credits

This course provides a foundation in content and methodology for the teaching of social studies in early childhood education (birth through age 8). Developing meaningful curricular content, hands-on learning experiences, integration of early childhood content area standards, and the impact of technology are explored. A foundation in developmentally-effective teaching and assessment of the content area is provided.

3 Credits

This course focuses on understanding and using the visual and performing arts to promote growth and development in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on developmentally-effective practices and integration of art, music, dance, and drama across the curriculum. Assessment, modifications, accommodations, culture, and family involvement through the arts are also explored. A foundation of effective teaching strategies and best practices in early childhood education are provided.

3 Credits

This course addresses Structured English Immersion (SEI) instruction and assessment of elementary (K-5) English learners. Students explore appropriate intervention practices and differentiation strategies to support English learners. A comprehensive overview of the alignment of English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards to the English Language Arts (ELA) Standards (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, and Language) is also a focus, including their application to lesson planning. This course is the second of two courses required to earn a Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement, combined with SEI/300. This course is designed to meet the standards set by the Arizona Department of Education.