This course addresses how to optimize children's learning through play and daily routines. Using theories of child development, participants analyze how the physical arrangement of the classroom and outdoor area can maximize development. Students plan an environment that meets safety and health needs, that allows for child directed choices and activities, and supports the child's physical, cognitive, language, social, and creative growth. Students apply practices to environments that are both developmentally and culturally inclusive.

This course provides in-depth study of the development of children's language and communication skills from birth through age eight. Students identify the various developmental levels exhibited by children, and choose and create diverse materials to enhance language and literacy development. The course focuses on analyzing and creating language-rich programs designed to foster listening, oral and written language, and pre-reading and reading skills at the appropriate developmental level. Students formulate developmentally appropriate questions and responses to enrich the child's experience. The course addresses how everyday experiences can present opportunities for creating meaningful communication between children, their peers, and adults.

This course is designed to provide early childhood educators with the ability to use a variety of assessment methods to determine the developmental levels and needs of young children. Students are introduced to the meaning and uses of authentic assessment as well as various tools and assessment strategies. The course addresses the interpretation of observational and assessment data to monitor children's progress, guide instructional practice, and identify and refer at-risk children. NOTE: Prior completion of EDU 551G Learning and Early Childhood Environments is recommended.

This course provides an overview of the various policies, procedures, and leadership practices that relate to the administration of quality early childhood programs. Topics include program development, budgeting and financial management, organizational structures, and staffing and supervision. The role of directors as leaders is explored. This course is designed for early childhood administrators, as well as for those aspiring to be directors. NOTE: Prior completion of EDC 713 Family and Community Relations in ECE and EDC 602 Learning and Early Childhood Environments is recommended.