This course is the introductory course to the education programs. The purpose is to examine the theoretical foundations of education in the United States. Historical, political, and social influences on the development of the education system are examined. Students develop their own educational philosophy and compare it to the philosophies which have shaped American education. A twenty-hour practicum is required.

This course provides a hands-on approach to facilitating the creative development of children. Students explore their own creativity through a variety of media, including art, music, drama, and creative movement. The focus is on the creative process rather than products. Topics include definitions of creativity, how it affects domains of development, and ways it enhances learning. Students apply knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and integrate them with creative experiences into a well-rounded curriculum that incorporates a variety of learning styles.

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.

The course focuses on the cognitive development of children birth to age eight with emphasis upon the development and interrelatedness of math and science concepts. Using a hands-on approach, students explore the various materials used in learning centers to stimulate and develop children's logico-mathematical thinking. Students identify the various developmental levels of children's thinking and create developmentally appropriate materials and settings. The course emphasizes the application of developmental principles to investigate and devise experiences which employ mathematical reasoning and scientific processes.