Early Childhood

KU Department of Elementary Education
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Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Program is concerned with the education of children from birth to the age of eight and emphasizes child growth and development at these ages. It coordinates what is known about the child and his environment with sound educational practice. Current research and theory are related to practical application with an emphasis upon field-based experiences. Ten hours of observation and participation are required for each course. The Early Learning Center (an accredited campus nursery and kindergarten program) will be utilized for participation and demonstration.

Early Childhood Education at Kutztown University is a dual certification program which offers preparation in early childhood education and in elementary education. A graduate of the program receives certification in both these areas. The Early Childhood Program, combined with the courses in the Elementary Education Program, prepares teacher candidates as teachers in infants, toddles, preschool, kindergarten, and grades one through six in the elementary school.

Required Courses:

There are six courses in the program (four required courses), and these courses are designed to be sequential. It is recommended that no more than two early childhood education courses be taken at one time because of the extensive field experience requirements in the program.

ELU 130 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 s.h..) required

This foundation course focuses on the development of young children from infancy through age eight. Consideration will be given to historical perspectives, present programs, and current research in contemporary issues. Field experiences in preschool programs, child care settings, and kindergartens are an integral part of the course.

ELU 233 - Integrated Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (3 s.h..) required

This course focuses on determining and devising a developmentally appropriate, all-inclusive content curriculum for infants, toddlers and young children reflecting diversity. Curriculum goals, program schedules, learning environments, selection of instructional materials, content and assessment of the curriculum are addressed through projects, readings, and field experiences.

ELU 236 - Arts in Early Childhood Education (3 s.h..) required

This course focuses on designing an all-inclusive, developmentally appropriate creative arts curriculum for the young child. This creative arts curriculum emphasizes play, literature, creative movement, music, creative dramatics and visual arts. A diversified visual and performing arts curriculum will be developed using research, readings, projects, and field experiences.

ELU 334 - Instructional Strategies in Early Childhood Education (3 s.h..) required

Instructional strategies to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of infants, toddlers, and young children will be examined. Significant contributions of research focusing on teaching methods and behavior management will be considered. Opportunities to develop and use appropriate teaching strategies in various early childhood settings will be provided.

Elective Courses:
	PDE 210 -	Physical Education Activities for Early Childhood Education
	ELU 338 -	Internship in Early Education
	ELU 343 -	Diversity and the Young Child
	ELU 370 -	Selected Topics in Elementary Education
	ELU 415 -	Building Partnerships: Families Schools and Communities
	ELU 421 -	Education and Care of Infants and Toddles
	ELU 420 -	Administration of Programs for the Young Children

Post-Baccalaureate Extension of Certification

Teachers who hold a valid Pennsylvania Instruction I or II Certificate may EXTEND their certification to include Early Childhood by:

Securing from and submitting to the Office of Admissions the appropriate applications and transcripts.
Successfully competing within four (4) years a formal written program of study in Early Childhood Education planned by the Dean, College of Education.
Submitting through the Dean, College of Education a Pennsylvania Department of Education application for an extension of certification to include Early Childhood Education and meeting all requirements in accordance with regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

For additional information contact:
Department of Elementary Education
Beekey Building, Room 212
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA 19530
Telephone: (610) 683-4281
Keyes@kutztown.edu

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