Last saved by: Josh Thompson PhD

ECE 561
Foundations in Early Childhood Education
Three graduate credit hours 
Spring 2010 
Th 4.30-7:10 p.m. 
Metroplex Center

Course Description: | This course is designed to examine the relationships among development, experiences and practices in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed upon the investigation of theoretical influences on early childhood education – Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3.
Instructor’s Name: | Josh Thompson, PhD
Office Location: | Sowers, Ed South 221

Office Hours:

Before & after class
eCollege Virtual Office 10:00– 11:00 a.m. MTW&Th

Contact Information:

Josh_Thompson@TAMU-Commerce.edu
Office: 903-468-8627 
Cell: 214-663-6102

Faculty Webpage: | http://Faculty.TAMU-Commerce.edu/JThompson/
Course Webpage: | http://faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/jthompson/561/561Sp10.htm

Goals of the Course:

To provide students with an in-depth study of child development, along with its application to
ECE programs and implications for family interactions.

Required Texts:

Berk, Laura E. (2009) Child Development, 8^th ed. Allyn & Bacon. http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_berk_childdevcw_7 
ISBN: 0205615597

Measurable Objectives:

1. To understand the concepts and principles of child development 
2. To identify child development theories and stages of development
3. To review research associated with child development 
4. To describe the interdependency of young children's development (physical, social and cognitive) 
5. To discuss the nature of developmental changes in children and their implications for ECE programming
6. To investigate the interactive contexts and culture on the development of young children and their families

| Course Requirements

Quizzes & Homework

5%

Between three to five quiz or homework grades will be collected throughout the semester. The quizzes may be announced or as pop quiz over assigned readings.

Child Observation Study 

20%

Child Study Project
5%

Follow the child through time and development. You will collect field notes from observations of three different children, from different ages & stages, with detailed demographic data and complex observation strategies. Create a typed summary of your handwritten and analyzed notes, explaining the developmental significance of activities you observed.

Ages & Stages Paper

20%

Using your Child Observation Study, and your familiarity with professional resources, write a paper describing ONE of the eight stages of early child development. Include the textbook and at least three professional resources
.

Ages & Stages Presentation

10%

Work with a team to create a 30 minute presentation of major developmental domains and issues for ONE of the eight stages of early child development.

Topical Literature Circle

10%

You will participate in a literature circle throughout the semester, based around one topic and one main text. The points for this assignment come from: 
Participation and commitment to building success within the group 
Competently managing text and ideas 
Contributing toward insight and application 
Reporting, with your group, to the larger class

3 Exams
5%
7%
8%

Comprehensive. Authentic lab experience requiring you to identify major developmental characteristics of multiple children (simultaneously), followed by a take-home section to reflect on the observation experience.

Preparation, participation, & professionalism 

10%

Read all assigned chapters before they are due, complete any outside assignments on time, attend class, participate in discussion both in small group and large group, be on time, stay the entire time, turn in work on time and exhibit all other aspects of professionalism required of professional teachers. Do not automatically assume you will get these points. You will earn them. Points will be deducted for not being in class, not being on time, not discussing topics with the whole group, not producing quality work, etc.

Assignments: | See attached “Tentative Course Schedule” and “Course Requirements” for due dates and other specific details on assignments. Note: readings are due the date they are listed.
Instructional Methods and Delivery Systems to be Used: | This course is taught face to face, with many interactive web-based features built into the course website, and into eCollege. The nature of this class is highly collaborative. Students will work together in groups to craft their understanding and knowledge of the course objectives, and to complete the course requirements.
Overview of Lessons: | See attached “Tentative Course Schedule.”
Methods of Student Evaluation/ Assessment of Student Outcomes: | Diverse evaluation measures will be used periodically to assure student success. Three exams will assess mastery of course materials and methods. Other assignments, particularly the observation and the ages & stages paper will allow students to demonstrate mastery. The specific weight of each assignment is given on the “Course Requirement” form.

Grading Scale:

A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89 
C = 70 – 79 
D = 60 – 69 
F = 0 – 59

Tips on How to be Successful in This Class: | Participate. Learning is an adventure, not a fast food, drive-through event. Create meaningful applications and interpretations of the course materials through observing children in real learning situations, and bring your documentation of their learning, along with your questions about their learning, un-learning, or not-learning.
Methods Used to Evaluate Instruction: | Frequent surveys, exit slips, feedback forms, etc. will aid instructor as a monitor of student learning. At the end of the semester, a formal course evaluation will be administered.

Statement on Student Behavior from Student Guidebook: 
* Required

“All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.” (See Student’s Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct)

Statement on Accommodations for ADA eligible students: 
* Required

Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic Support Committee. For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources & Services, Halladay Student Services Bldg., Room 303D, (903) 886-5835.