Early Childhood Course Descriptions

HSERV 135B

Foundations of Early Childhood

3 credits

This course examines the historical, philosophical, and cultural roots of the Early Childhood Education movement and their influences on contemporary practices. The course is designed to help students develop a set of beliefs that will enable them to create environments that nurture investigation and foster a sense of community. Consideration is given to the important role of families in education and the teacher parent relationship. Emphasis is placed on responding to the call for culturally and ethnically sensitive teaching practices within the full range of human differences. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: HSERV 209 Early Childhood Development.
 

HSERV 140

Infant/Toddler Environments

3 credits

This course emphasizes research about infant/toddler development as a framework for group care that supports the young child’s needs for safe exploration, responsive routines, continuity with family and culture, and experiences that guide them in making sense of their world. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisites: HSERV 209 Early Childhood Development, HSERV 135B Foundations of Early Childhood, HSERV 202A Observation and Assessment, HSERV 216 Early Childhood Field I. Corequisite: HSERV 218 Early Childhood Field II.
 

HSERV 202A

Observation and Assessment

4 credits

Observing children is at the core of Early Childhood Education. Through documentation of teacher’s observations and the works of the child using the Prospect Center Descriptive Review of the Child and the Description of Children’s Work, the student comes to understand how a particular child makes meaning. Through shared recollections of their own learning experiences students gain a larger perspective of teaching and learning. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and sharing observations in developing knowledge about teaching. Class hrs. 4. Prerequisite or Corequisite: HSERV 135B Foundations of Early Childhood. Corequisite: HSERV 216 Early Childhood Field I.
 

HSERV 209

Early Childhood Development

3 credits

This course explores the process of change from birth through the pre-school years, emphasizing the interaction between social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Major development theories and the ways that they inform childrearing and educational practices are critically examined. Focus is placed on how history, culture, class, and gender identification, influence the young child. Themes include the child as a maker of meaning, nature versus nurture, and temperament. Students use a variety of research methods in completing course assignments. Class hrs. 3.
 

HSERV 216

Early Childhood Field I

3 credits

This weekly 9-hour field experience accompanies the course: Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood. The student learns how Early Childhood Practitioners become researchers by systematic observation of children’s behaviors and works in a group setting. Students practice techniques of recording and assessment of a child’s development which culminates in a portfolio and descriptive review of a child. Prerequisites: HSERV 209 Early Childhood Development and HSERV 135B Foundations of Early Childhood. Pre- or Corequisite: HSERV 202A Observation and Assessment.
 

HSERV 218

Early Childhood Field II

3 credits

The Field Experience accompanies the Infant/Toddler Environments course and requires 9 hours a week in an infant/toddler setting. The student learns the ways in which his/her early childhood program meets the physical, intellectual and social needs of the children as well as their parents. Students have an opportunity to practice, under professional supervision, the methods studied in the linked courses. Prerequisite: HSERV 216 Early Childhood Field I. Corequisite: HSERV 140 Infant/Toddler Environments.
 

HSERV 220A

Early Childhood Curriculum

3 credits

This course is designed to prepare students for planning and implementing culturally and developmentally relevant curriculum for children N-2nd grade. Emphasis is placed on the emergent curriculum, project work and documentation. Student teachers explore how children represent their understanding through language, dramatic play, art, blocks, sand and water and manipulatives. Most sessions are workshops that provide students with opportunities to explore materials first hand. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisites: HSERV 209 Early Childhood Development, HSERV 135B Foundations of Early Childhood, and HSERV 202A Observation & Assessment. Corequisite: HSERV 222 Early Childhood Field III.
 

HSERV 222

Early Childhood Field III

3 credits

The Early Childhood Field course III is taken with Early Childhood Curriculum. Students have an opportunity to explore and translate theories of curriculum development into classroom practice. Students are required to spend 9 hours a week in an Early Childhood classroom. Prerequisite: HSERV 218 Early Childhood Field II. Corequisite: HSERV 220A Early Childhood Curriculum.