A Civic Learning course that introduces and explores current issues, policies and practices in early care and education, which impact families and young children of diverse backgrounds. Emphasis on self-study, anti-bias frameworks, inclusion, and advocacy as well as civic engagement and cross-cultural communication.
Through documentary film, research and diverse stories, contemplates the lives of children around the world, the life-spaces they inhabit, and commonly held ideas about children and parenting from multi-cultural, critical and feminist perspectives; provides a greater appreciation for childhood, both as a cultural construction, and as a distinctly constructed culture.
The biological, psychological, and social growth and development of children and their relationships with family, peers, and institutions.
Introduces students to the fundamentals of art, music, and movement and emphasizes the importance of process-oriented experiences in teaching children birth through age 8. Students' learning will be grounded in educational theories, knowledge of children's development, reflective practice, and experiential learning. Prerequisites: EDEC 1010, EDEC 1070, or Instructor permission.
Study of ECE systems, foundational theories and research, corresponding with an evidence-based understanding of how young children learn and develop. Students will apply an anti-racist and social justice approach to examine ECE experiences, settings, policies, and the field itself to uncover and think critically about how teachers can work to disrupt and redress inequities. Prerequisite: Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education majors or with Instructor permission. Pre/Co-requisite: EDEC 1010 or equivalent.
Course emphasis is on developing relevant, integrated, authentic, individualized, developmentally appropriate curriculum based on observation and interpretations of children's work in PreK classrooms, serving children ages 3-5. Reflective thinking is supported by readings and discourse. Prerequisites: EDEC 1010, EDEC 1630 or equivalent, Praxis Core requirement fulfilled, or Instructor permission. Co-requisite: EDEC 2490.
Practicum experience with children ages 3-5. Students spend 9 hours per week as a member of a diverse, PreK classroom developing skills in observation/assessment, curriculum development and facilitation. Prerequisites: EDEC 1010, EDEC 1630 or equivalent, Praxis Core equivalent fulfilled, or Instructor permission. Co-requisite: EDEC 2450.
Undergraduate student work on individual or small team research projects under the supervision of a faculty member, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
The capstone service-learning experience of the Childhood Studies Minor. Places students in a range of community-based organizations advancing the interests of Vermont children and their caregivers. Students will apply their knowledge in Childhood Studies as advocates and change-makers. Through observation, participation, critical reflection, action research and writing as an iterative process, students will demonstrate their impact. Prerequisites: EDEC 1070, Catamount Core WIL1 course, Junior standing; or Instructor permission.
Undergraduate student service as a teaching assistant, usually in an introductory-level course in the discipline, for which credit is awarded. Offered at department discretion.
Supports the EDEC 4991 Early Childhood Student Teaching. Addresses pertinent issues in early education teaching and learning, while preparing students to construct their licensure portfolios. Prerequisites: EDEC 3790; Early Childhood PreK-3 major; Praxis Core Requirement fulfilled; GPA of 3. Co-requisite: EDEC 4991.
On-site supervised experience combined with a structured academic learning plan directed by a faculty member or a faculty-staff team, for which academic credit is awarded. May be student teaching. May be working in an Early Childcare setting. Prerequisite: EDEC 3790. Co-requisite: EDEC 4880.