Early Childhood (EARLYCHD)

EARLYCHD 686   EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE   3 Units

This course is designed for students who wish to critically consider the developmental science that has informed policy and program development; the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped the study of young children and contributed to developmental trajectories that benefit some children while disadvantaging others; the changing roles of families; and the implications of these issues for policies affecting young children. In the United States, a national consensus supporting policies and programs that promote the well-being and educational access of young children is taking hold.
PREREQ: ADMITTED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY MSE

EARLYCHD 711   EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE   3 Units

A study of the historical and theoretical foundations; current models and practices; and significant research regarding early childhood education.

EARLYCHD 713   TRENDS IN CURRICULUM FOR THE PRE-SCHOOL/PRIMARY CHILD   3 Units

This course is designed to give students sufficient skills to develop, implement and evaluate curriculum for children from ages 3-8.

EARLYCHD 714   CURRENT ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION   3 Units

Identification of significant issues and consideration of research having an impact on emerging trends as well as current practices in early childhood education.

EARLYCHD 723   ISSUES, PERSPECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS: A PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR IN ED   3 Units

As an introductory course for graduate studies in education, this seminar will provide an introduction to the use of research to support practice through an investigation of essential philosophical questions and current early childhood educational issues. Students will connect these studies to reflections on their own practice as they develop skills of analysis and argumentation.
PREREQ: ADMITTED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY MSE

EARLYCHD 786   EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE: POLICY, LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY   3 Units

The course focuses on how policy is constructed and addresses the critical roles that communication, advocacy, and ethics play as policy evolves. More specifically, the course will address: (i) the multiple venues and processes for creating public policies; (ii) different types of public ECEC funding; (iii) federal, state, and local policy roles; (iv) considerations of ethics and leadership from public policy and ECEC perspectives; (v) the development of policy advocacy communications skills; and (vi) the role or policy in creating equitable solutions in education. Students will recognize that the policy cycle depends on a network of complex interactions.
PREREQ: ADMITTED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY MSE

EARLYCHD 787   EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND ACTION RESEARCH   3 Units

The course assists early childhood professionals in reading, analyzing, and evaluating early childhood education research. Participants will investigate current issues by way of action research, ethnographic, and qualitative inquiry techniques. Research proposals will be created that relate to practical policy settings (classrooms, schools, agencies, etc.).
PREREQ: ADMITTED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY MSE

EARLYCHD 789   CAPSTONE SEMINAR   3 Units

As the capstone course for graduate studies in education, this seminar will provide the master's student with support as the student grounds, synthesizes, refines, assesses, and communicates connections between the graduate study outcomes and the student's professional life as an early childhood education and care educator. A passing score on the final capstone portfolio is required.
PREREQ: EARLYCHD 686 AND EARLYCHD 711 AND EARLYCHD 713 AND EARLYCHD 714 AND EARLYCHD 723 AND EARLYCHD 786 AND EARLYCHD 787 COREQ: CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN EARLYCHD 793

EARLYCHD 793   INTERNSHIP/STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCES   Repeatable   3-6 Units

The internship is designed to support field-based experiences to advance preparation as early childhood policy leaders. We are committed to implementing successful field experiences /internships in settings that will advance participants’ experiences and expertise related to early childhood policy and advocacy. Field experiences/internships can take place in diverse settings with a strong focus on early childhood education and on early childhood policy.
PREREQ: ADMITTED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY MSE