In this clinical course, students focus on STEM content, effective practice, instructional strategies, materials and curriculum integration, based on standards, inquiry, and connections to the real world. STEM concepts of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are researched and explored. Students will learn about the Scientific Method, as well as the roles of observation, classification, description, experimentation, application, and imagination. Students will learn how to use technology and interactive media in the early childhood classroom to support learning. The role of engineering in the curriculum will be investigated, including design of methods and ideas for product development. Students will understand and apply math process standards of problem-solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connection, and representation. The course emphasizes application of principles in order to investigate and create experiences which employ STEM concepts and teaching strategies.

In this clinical course, students develop an understanding of language and literacy development from birth through grade three. Topics include the reciprocal connections between speaking and listening, rhythm and rhyme, communication activities, hearing and reading literature, stories, poetry, music, and written expression. Students engage in appropriate literacy interactions, activities, and assessments to meet the literacy needs of a diverse range of children. Students work with parents and care givers as partners in promoting literacy. The key components of reading (e. g. word recognition, fluency, phonological awareness, etc.) identified by the National Reading Panel for this age level are studied in depth. Students apply their knowledge of how young children develop their own reading skills using these key components of the reading process. Students then evaluate the effectiveness of their instruction.

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. Prior completion of EDC 602 Learning and Early Childhood Environments is recommended.

This course provides an overview of the thirteen Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) educational disabilities and the opportunity to explore the implications of disability on learning. Students will develop knowledge of specific disabilities including: definition, diagnosis, etiology, prevalence, characteristics, adaptive behavior, and systems of support and resources. Students will explore how disability impacts learning and access to the general education curriculum. Students will research and identify teaching strategies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies, interventions, and educational and assistive technologies to enhance learning and provide equity in the classroom for students with disabilities.