INTERDISCIPLINARY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
(School of Education)
NOTE: Early Childhood Education course descriptions can be seen here.
IEC 301 The IECE Profession Three hours
Course designed to orient candidates entering IECE degree program regarding the national, state, and university requirements for certification. Examines the foundations of early childhood and early childhood special education including the ethics, history, philosophy, research, and legislation surrounding programs for children from birth through kindergarten. Provides overview of interdisciplinary teams, service delivery models, and blended practices in home and center-based settings. Field experience required in the early intervention system, Kentucky’s public preschool programs serving 3-to-5 year old children with and without disabilities, and kindergarten settings. Required: 12 hours of field experience Pre-requisites: ECE 111, 140, 230
IEC 360 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Early Childhood Education Three hours
Investigates the value and importance of complex characteristics of children’s families and communities. Explores the dynamics of family life including roles, functions, and relationships. Examines community programs that focus on forming partnerships with families to support child development and family well-being. Introduces basic concepts, theories, and issues involving cultural and linguistic diversity and the educational system. Emphasizes development of skills needed to interact with families of diverse backgrounds in order to facilitate educational involvement. Examines the influences of gender, culture, economic situation, learning styles, and language on the socialization of young children with implications for practice. Attention is given to appropriate strategies to support English Language Learners and children with unique cultural backgrounds, traditions, and practices. Evaluates and develops curricular materials for culturally and linguistically diverse children. Required: 10 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: ECE 280
IEC 381 Curriculum Applications in Language and Literacy Three hours
Covers developmental foundations, major issues, and curricular applications of language and literacy in inclusive early childhood programs. Specific attention given to typical and atypical development; environmental influences that enrich or delay emerging literacy and language; methods, techniques, materials, and experiences for instruction and assessment; early childhood standards and learning goals; and evaluation of language and literacy curricula, methods, and environments in early childhood programs. Curriculum mapping strategies used to integrate developmentally appropriate language arts content. Required: 5 hours field experience. Prerequisite: ECE 280; Prerequisite or Co-requisite ECE 270
IEC 382 Curriculum Applications in Arts and Humanities and Physical and Health Education Three hours
Utilizes early childhood standards to develop, assess, and evaluate curriculum in the content areas of arts and humanities (art, music, drama, dance), health education, and physical education for preschool children and the motor and creative expression domain areas for infants and toddlers./ Examines the value of creative expression, methods for creating an environment that encourages creativity, and techniques for integrating creative arts across all curricular areas. Provides understanding of developmentally appropriate health activities as well as gross and fine motor programming and teaching strategies to enable young learners to develop fundamental motor, rhythmic, and self-help skills. Required: 5 hours field experiences Prerequisite: ECE 280
IEC 383 Curriculum Applications in Math, Science, and Social Studies Three hours
Applies principles in planning, teaching, and assessing math, science, and social studies in early childhood inclusive settings. Emphasizes active, inquiry-based learning and integration of content across the early childhood curriculum. Required: 5 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: ECE 280
IEC 384 Interactive Technology and Young Children Three hours
Develops content and methods for teaching young children with computers and related technologies. Focuses on evaluation of children’s software, technology for administration of early childhood programs, assessment supported by technology, and the integration of technology in the classroom for learning. Considers current issues and policies related to young children and technology. Develops basic knowledge and skills using assistive technology. Assistive technology devices and software will be examined and/or created. Focuses on integration of assistive technology into IFSPs/IEPs, lesson plans, activities, and daily routines. Required: 5 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: ECE 280
IEC 385 Infant and Toddler Programming and Education Two hours
Plans, implements, and evaluates curriculum and the learning environments for children ages birth to three with and without disabilities in home and center-based settings. Topics include a review of infant/toddler development, characteristics of a quality education, early childhood standards, guidance based on observation and family dynamics, assessment and early intervention, and relations affecting infant development and growth, and parenting/teaching strategies. Required: 5 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: ECE 280; Prerequisite or Co-requisite ECE 270
IEC 400 Current Issues in the Early Childhood Profession Three hours
In-depth study of selected topics, current issues, or trends in early intervention, childhood education/special education, or family studies, selected to meet the professional needs or interests of students or to solve real problems in the professional community. Topics may include issues such as changes in early childhood legislation or policies that affect professional practice. Prerequisite: Consent of IECE Program Coordinator
IEC 410 Special Investigations in Early Childhood Education Three hours
Students conduct an action research project to investigate a topic of special interest. Research includes a review of the related literature, development of a data collection plan, the preparation of a written and oral report of the findings, and the development of an action plan based on the research to improve professional practice. Students read and reflect on the research submitted by classmates. Prerequisite: Consent of IECE Program Coordinator
IEC 440 Positive Behavior Supports Three hours
Examination of strategies designed to prevent challenging behavior, support social/emotional competencies, and develop individualized intervention plans for young children. Exploration of factors contributing to social and emotional competencies. Special attention given to person-centered planning; functional assessment of behavior using direct and indirect methods; and working collaboratively to prepare, implement, and monitor positive behavior support plans. 10 required field hours. Pre-requisites: 216, 270, 280
IEC 460 Working with Families in Early Childhood Programs Three hours
Studies the collaborative processes and communication skills for effective interaction among parents, paraprofessionals, teachers and other professionals. Examines the value of family involvement and practices aimed at strengthening the role of parents through partnerships in the educational process. Focuses on methods and materials useful in working with families. Considers the impact of crises or special issues in family life. Studies communication strategies for initiating and maintaining home-school-community collaboration. Focuses on research surrounding best practices related to working with families of young children, ages birth to three, with special needs to provide family-centered services. Involves students in home visits, formal and informal assessments, analysis of family dynamics and resources within the community context, and development of an IFSP. Required: 10 hours of field experience. Prerequisite: 216, 270, 280; Prerequisite or Co-requisite IECE 360
IEC 470 Advanced Assessment in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Three hours
Examines systematic assessment procedures to determine eligibility for services and to monitor the healthy growth and development of children birth through kindergarten with and without disabilities. Includes observation, portfolio development, and practice in the administration of an array of assessment tools including play-based arena assessment that emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach. Focuses on collaboration with related services personnel and families, writing assessment reports, and using assessment data to plan instruction and activities. Required: 20 hours of field experience.
Prerequisites: ECE 216, ECE 270, ECE 280
IEC 480 Advanced Curriculum and Methods in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Three hours
This capstone course is designed to increase classroom management, instructional, and assessment competencies. Involves planning, implementation, and evaluation of integrated curricula and activity-based instructional methods for children birth to primary in home-based and inclusive center-based settings. Provides practice in developing IEP/IFSP activity matrices; adapting the learning environment and instruction across content areas to meet the diverse needs of young children; and advancing collaboration skills to guide inclusive practices. The professional portfolio will be completed and submitted for further evaluation by the School of Education faculty. Students participate in supervised field experiences to prepare for their assigned student teaching placements. Required: 40 hours of field experience. Pre-requisites: Admission to IECE teacher education program; IECE 301,360,381,382,383,385; Pre-requisites or co-requisites: 384,440,460, and 470.