Division of Early Childhood Education
Website: https://twu.edu/education/early-childhood-education/
Division Head: Dr. Sharla Snider, Professor
Phone: 940-898-2684
E-mail: ssnider@twu.edu
The Division of Early Childhood Education offers coursework that prepares students for careers in early childhood settings. Students develop skills in developmentally appropriate instructional practices and curriculum design, and they will be prepared to impact the education of early learners. Students have the option to choose degree tracks in special education, bilingual education, or English as a Second Language (ESL). The coursework prepares them to take the state certification exams and become fully certified to teach prekindergarten through third grade in Texas.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Admissions
Admissions
All applicants must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements. The following degrees have additional secondary admission criteria:
Faculty
Asterisk (*) denotes Graduate Faculty status.
Courses
Contact hours identified in the course descriptions are based on a 15-week term. Students who enroll in Summer or mini-terms are expected to meet the same total number of contact hours as a 15-week term.
ECE 2613. Program Planning and Administration of Programs for Young Children. Program planning and administrative techniques, evaluation of children's individual growth and development, techniques for encouraging parent involvement, evaluation of quality environment for young children, and consideration of ethical issues. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 2663. Foundations of Early Childhood Education. (TCCN TECA 1311) Introduction to the education of the young child, including developmentally appropriate practices and programs, theoretical and historical perspectives, ethical and professional responsibilities, and current issues. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 2983. Practical Field Experience in the Early Childhood Classroom. Supervised field experiences in early childhood education. Educational experiences working with children, families, and communities. 60 total practicum hours (TEA-accredited child care, NAEYC-accredited EC center, or public school) and one off-site practicum lecture hour a week. Prerequisite: permission of the program coordinator. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 3203. Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Strategies in the Early Childhood Classroom. Developmental characteristics, processes, and interrelationships for learning during early childhood through a play-based approach. Best practices supporting young children's culture, language, and families for effective learning in the early childhood classroom. 10 hours of field experience is required. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 3213. Social-Emotional Learning and Prosocial Skill Development in Early Childhood. Social-emotional learning as a foundation for all learning in early childhood. Intentional teaching strategies, supportive environments, adult modeling, and skill-building activities to support healthy emotional development and social competency in children from Pre-K to third grade. 10 hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: Admission to the Educator Preparation Program and ECE 3203. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 3223. Methods of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM) in the Early Childhood Classroom. Developmentally appropriate uses of digital tools with young children. Methods for teaching foundational mathematical knowledge using manipulatives, investigations of real-world issues, and inquiry-based lessons that encourage higher-order thinking and foster collaboration with families to promote STEM at home and in the community. Prerequisite: Admission to the EPP and ECE 3203. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 3573. Creative Arts for Elementary School Aged Children. Theoretical and empirical bases for creative arts experiences in education; concepts, terminology, processes, skills, histories, and application of visual arts, music, and theatre arts in elementary education. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 4203. Observation, Assessment, and Developmental Learning Theory in the Early Childhood Classroom. Role and purpose of developmental learning theory, observation, and assessment in early childhood classrooms. Application of developmentally appropriate observational methods and assessment tools based on the needs of children in the classroom to inform curriculum development that can support learners of all abilities, languages, and cultures. Consideration of legal and ethical issues related to observations and assessments. Referrals and consultations with families and other educational professionals. 10 hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: Admission to the Educator Preparation Program and ECE 3203. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 4213. Methods for Interdisciplinary Language Arts and Social Studies Education in the Early Childhood Classroom. Developmentally appropriate approach to designing instruction in social studies and language arts. Methods for teaching comprehension of texts and vocabulary, creating culturally responsive thematic units, and incorporating Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for K-3 and Prekindergarten Guidelines in individualized and group instruction to engage young learners. 10 hours of field experience is required. Prerequisites: Admission to the Educator Preparation Program, ECE 3203, and READ 3223. Three lecture hours a week. Credit: Three hours.
ECE 4913. Independent Study. Independent study in selected topics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Three hours.
