400

Required field experience: 10 hours A study of the theory, curriculum, methods, and materials for developing creative, positive, and healthy environments in which preschool children can play and learn. Included are the pedagogical fundamentals of mathematics, science, social studies, music, and the arts for preschool children. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 255 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours This course explores the latest research regarding the most effective methods for teaching a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten early literacy curriculum, including strategies to promote the abilities of children as they apply language and thinking skills to classroom life. Included are methods for developing oral and written language, concepts of print, and listening and speaking skills. Emphasis is on meeting diverse learner needs, and effective use of materials, including the use of technology for literacy learning. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 403 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours This course provides a study of the theory, curriculum, methods, and materials for promoting literacy development in the early grades. Emphasis is on strategies for establishing multiple literacies (read ing, writing, speaking, and listening), as well as on phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through active, thoughtful reading and metacognitive processing throughout every part of the early childhood curriculum. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 404 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours Utilizing the latest research regarding the most effective methods for teaching a developmentally appropriate mathematics curriculum from kindergarten through the early grades, this course explores strategies to develop children’s conceptual understanding of mathematics, including the best use of materials. The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) content and process standards are addressed with an emphasis on real-world problem-solving. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 405 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours Utilizing the latest research regarding the most effective methods for teaching a developmentally appropriate science curriculum from kindergarten through the early grades, this course explores strategies to promote modes of inquiry and analytical skills in science education, including the best use of materials. Also addressed is the integration of science with other curricular content areas. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 406 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours Utilizing the latest re research regarding the most effective methods for teaching a developmentally appropriate social studies curriculum from kindergarten through the early grades, this course explores strategies to develop understanding of the interrelationships among the social sciences, including historical, geographical, economic, and political concepts. Emphasis is on the integration of the arts and how music, the visual arts, and the performing arts are celebrated differently by diverse cultures. Prerequisite: ECE 240 NOTE: This course replaces EDU 407 in previous curricula.

This course is the capstone of the early childhood program, providing opportunity for development of a final project that addresses five key elements of early childhood, as well as early childhood administration; educational programming, legal issues and regulatory, fiscal management, staff management, and marketing and pulic relations.

This course is the first of two clinical practice experience s for teacher candidates in the School of Education. During this experience, the teacher candidate will move from theory to practice in a pre-primary learning environment (pre-K classroom), while beginning to prepare for a state- mandated assessment (edTPA). The corresponding online seminar includes a variety of relevant topics related to program competencies: planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and leadership/professionalism. Prerequisite: Approval from licensure officer NOTE: This course replaces EDU 451 and EDU 452 (combined) in previous curricula.

This course is the second of two clinical practice experiences for teacher candidates in the School of Education. During this experience, the teacher candidate will move from theory to practice in a primary learning environment (grades K, 1, 2*), while completing a state-mandated assessment (edTPA). The corresponding online seminar includes a variety of relevant topics related to program competencies: planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and leadership/professionalism. Prerequisite: Approval from licensure officer NOTE: This course replaces EDU 453 and EDU 454 (combined) in previous curricula *Any licensure candidate who is eligible for the Birth through Grade 3 endorsement will be allowed to complete ECE 465 in the 3rd grade setting, if desired. Any licensure candidate who is eligible for the Birth through Grade 2 endorsement will not be allowed to complete ECE 465 in the 3rd grade setting. Please ask the licensure officer for clarification.

This culminating course blends administrative theory and practice into an intensive and cooperative experience. Students choose an administrative internship, a research/ advocacy project, an early childhood center design project, or student teaching to complete this requirement for the Illinois Gateways Director credential.