In this course early childhood educators who are primary supervisors of teachers or assistant teachers explore the various dimensions of their role. Based on concepts of adult development and the stages of teacher development, participants learn how to establish mentoring relationships and balance supervisory responsibilities as they gain skills to guide new employees, set goals, provide feedback on performance, resolve conflicts, and create positive working environments.

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 is required for all students enrolled in teaching certification programs. Students develop prerequisite skills in lesson planning, assessment creation, data collection, and the formative assessment cycle as they gain the technical and professional understandings required for successful completion of teacher certification programs.

The current field of special education was established by law and further refined through the courts in litigation. In this writing intensive class, students trace the historical development of federal, state, and local laws and regulations such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the New Hampshire Standards for the Education of Students with Disabilities. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between constitutional law, statutory law, regulatory law, and case law as it relates to current special education law. The focus on policies and procedures provides the background future teachers and paraprofessionals need to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities and to understand the ever changing, complex nature of special education law.