EDU-119: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course introduces the foundations of culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive early childhood education, planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences, learning activities, and teaching strategies for indoor and outdoor environments for all young children, guidance techniques, and professionalism. Topics include theoretical foundations, national early learning standards, NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, state regulations, program types, career options, professionalism, ethical conduct, quality inclusive environments, guidance techniques, and curriculum responsive to the needs of each child/family. Upon completion, students should be able to implement developmentally appropriate environments, guidance techniques, schedules, and teaching strategies across developmental domains to support culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children and their families in inclusive settings, and design a personal career/professional development plan.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:4
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-131: Child, Family, and Community
This course covers the development of partnerships among culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing and supporting respectful relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate relationship building strategies between diverse families, children birth through adolescence, schools, and communities and demonstrate a variety of communication skills including appropriate use of technology to support every child. This course covers the development of partnerships between culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing, and supporting, respectful, relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate relationship building strategies between diverse families, children birth through adolescence, schools, and communities and demonstrate a variety of communication skills including appropriate use of technology to support every child.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-144: Child Development I
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from conception through approximately 36 months. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-145: Child Development II
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-146: Child Guidance
This course introduces evidence-based strategies to build nurturing relationships with each child by applying principles and practical techniques to facilitate developmentally appropriate guidance. Topics include designing responsive/supportive learning environments, cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic influences on behavior, appropriate expectations, the importance of communication with children/families including using technology and the use of formative assessments in establishing intentional strategies for children with unique needs. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate direct/indirect strategies to encourage social skills, self-regulation, emotional expression and positive behaviors while recognizing the relationship between children's social, emotional and cognitive development.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-151: Creative Activities
This course introduces developmentally supportive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive creative learning environments with attention to divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, evidence-based teaching practices, and open-ended learning materials and activities that align with the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Emphasis is placed on best practices providing process-driven culturally diverse, learning experiences in art, music, creative movement, dance, and dramatic play integrated across all domains and academic content in indoor/outdoor environments for every young child age birth through age eight. Upon completion, students should be able to observe, examine, create, adapt, and advocate for developmentally appropriate creative learning materials, experiences, and environments for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-153: Health, Safety and Nutrition
This course covers promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of every child. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines, common childhood illnesses, maintaining safe and healthy learning environments, health benefits of active play, recognition and reporting of abuse/neglect, and state regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply knowledge of NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development for health, safety, nutritional needs and safe learning environments.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-154: Social/Emotion/Behavior Development
This course covers the emotional/social development of young children and the varied causes, expressions, prevention methods and management strategies of challenging behaviors. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive and supportive caregiver/family/child relationships, positive emotional/social environments, developmental concerns, risk factors, and planning culturally responsive, equitable, developmentally appropriate intervention strategies. Upon completion, students should be able to identify factors that influence emotional/social development, utilize screening measures, and design positive behavioral supports for children and the environment, as well as effective teaching strategies.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-157: Active Play
This course introduces physical activities to promote the development of children with diverse abilities, birth through middle childhood. Topics include active play, outdoor learning, design of the environment, development of play skills, loose parts play, nature play, risk/benefit assessment, advocacy, and family/community connection. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the stages of play, the role of teachers in play, active play environments, advocate for the child's right to play, and plan and assess culturally responsive, equitable and developmentally appropriate experiences using NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:2
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-162: Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
This course introduces the research, benefits, goals, and ethical considerations associated with observation and formative assessment in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of multiple observation/assessment strategies including anecdotal records, event samples, rating scales, and portfolios to identify specific needs of individual children with diverse abilities and to create appropriate learning experiences. Upon completion, students should be able to practice responsible assessment and effectively use tools to assess the child, teacher practices and indoor and outdoor environments to enhance programming; and explain the importance of assessment partnerships with families and other professionals.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-163: Classroom Management and Instruction
This course examines classroom management and evidence-based instructional strategies that create supportive learning environments to provide culturally, linguistically and developmentally appropriate guidance for school-age populations. Topics include classroom management and organization, teaching strategies, individual student differences and learning styles, ongoing systematic observation, and developmentally appropriate classroom guidance techniques. Upon completion, student should be able to utilize developmentally appropriate behavior management, utilize high-quality instructional strategies that enhance the teaching/learning process and promote students' academic success.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-187: Teaching and Learning for All
This course introduces students to knowledge, concepts, and best practices needed to provide developmentally appropriate, effective, inclusive, and culturally responsive educational experiences in the classroom. Topics include growth and development, learning theory, student motivation, teaching diverse learners, classroom management, inclusive environments, student-centered practices, instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, observation/assessment techniques, educational planning, reflective practice, collaboration, cultural competence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the knowledge, skills, roles, and responsibilities of an effective educator as defined by state and national professional teaching standards.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-216: Foundations of Education
This course introduces the examination of the American educational systems and the teaching profession. Topics include the historical and philosophical influences on education, various perspectives on educational issues, and experiences in birth through grade 12 classrooms. Upon completion, students should be able to reflect on classroom observations, analyze the different educational approaches, including classical/traditional and progressive, and have knowledge of the various roles of educational systems at the federal, state and local level.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-221: Children With Exceptionalities
This course covers atypical patterns of child development, inclusive/diverse settings, evidenced-based educational/family plans, differentiated instruction, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of exceptionalities and delays, early intervention/special education, transitions, observation, developmental screening, formative assessment of children, and collaborating with families and community partners. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize diverse abilities, describe the referral process, identify community resources, explain the importance of collaboration with families/professionals, and develop appropriate strategies/adaptations to support children in all environments with best practices as defined by laws, policies and the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
Course Prerequisites:
Take one set: Set 1: EDU-144 and EDU-145 Set 2: PSY-244 and PSY-245
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-234: Infants, Toddlers, and Twos
This course covers the development of high-quality, individualized, responsive/engaging relationships and experiences for infants, toddlers, and twos. Emphasis is placed on typical and atypical child development, working with diverse families to provide positive, supportive, and engaging early learning activities and interactions through field experiences and the application of the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate responsive curriculum planning, respectful relationships and exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate experiences/materials that support a foundation for healthy development and growth of culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children birth to 36 months.
Course Prerequisites:
Take EDU-144
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-235: School-Age Activities
This course introduces developmentally supportive, inclusive, and creative learning environments for school-age programs, focusing on diverse, equitable, and engaging experiences in art, music, movement, and dramatic play. Emphasis is placed on fostering divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, and integrating process-driven activities across academic subjects in both indoor and outdoor settings. Upon completion, students should be able to observe, analyze, design, adapt, and advocate for creative learning opportunities that reflect the cultural, linguistic, and ability diversity of school-age children, ensuring accessibility and meaningful engagement in developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational experiences.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-250: Teacher Licensure Preparation
This course provides information and strategies necessary for transfer to a teacher licensure program at a senior institution. Topics include entry level teacher licensure exam preparation, performance based assessment systems, requirements for entry into teacher education programs, the process to become a licensed teacher in North Carolina, and professionalism including expectations within the field of education. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize educational terminology and demonstrate knowledge of teacher licensure processes including exam preparation, technology based portfolio assessment, and secondary admissions processes to the school of education at a senior institution.
Course Prerequisites:
Take One Set: Set 1: ENG-111 MAT-143 Set 2: ENG-111 MAT-152 Set 3: ENG-111 MAT-171
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-251: Exploration Activities
This course covers fundamental concepts in the content areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and social studies through investigative experiences aligned with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Emphasis is placed on exploring fundamental concepts, scope and sequence, and teaching strategies to engage each child through play and open-ended discovery in indoor/outdoor environments. Upon completion, students should be able to understand major concepts in each content area and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive experiences for all young children.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-261: Early Childhood Administration I
This course provides an overview of essential administrative components for managing early childhood programs, including child development, program frameworks, North Carolina child care rules and regulations, effective leadership practices, reflective supervision, and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Emphasis is placed on personnel management, financial planning, reflective supervision strategies, child development principles, ethical decision-making, and ensuring compliance with state regulations to maintain high-quality learning environments. Upon completion, students should be able to apply program standards, manage staffing and budgets, implement reflective supervision to support professional growth, integrate child development knowledge into program planning, uphold ethical responsibilities following the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and navigate regulatory requirements to support successful early childhood program operations.
Course Prerequisites:
Take EDU-119
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-262: Early Childhood Administration II
This course is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in licensed child care facilities in North Carolina by focusing on curriculum development, program assessment, and resource management for centers and families. Emphasis is place on best practices in early childhood curriculum, quality improvement strategies, advocacy, and leadership in early learning environments. Upon completion, students should be able to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, assess program effectiveness, support families with relevant resources, and advocate for policies that enhance early childhood education and program quality.
Course Prerequisites:
Take EDU-261; Take EDU-119;
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-263: School-Age Program Administration
This course introduces the methods and procedures for development and administration of school-age programs in the public or proprietary setting. Emphasis is placed on the construction and organization of the physical environment. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, develop and administer a quality school-age program.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-270: Effective Instructional Environments
This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to create, manage, and assess effective instructional environments, learning attitudes, and behaviors for today's diverse learning population. null Topics include organizing the learning environment, fostering positive learning attitudes, supporting healthy stakeholder partnerships, engaging students using effective differentiated instruction, guiding, and managing student behaviors, and assessing student progress. null null Upon completion of this course, learners will demonstrate effective dispositions of the professional educator that include managing schedules, spaces, and resources, promoting supportive learning mindsets, engaging students with diverse instructional strategies, guiding student behaviors to maximize both the instructional and social climate, and analyzing and effectively responding to student progress.
Total Credits:2
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-272: Technology, Data, and Assessment
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to utilize digital instructional technologies and technology-based assessments to plan and implement appropriate educational experiences and interventions in the classroom. Topics include educational technology to enhance instruction, instructional technologies for teaching, technology-based assessment, formative and summative assessments, data to inform practice, and ethical practices for technology and assessment. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate effective integration of educational technology into classroom practice, appropriate use of technology-based assessments, and practical application of data to inform educational planning and interventions.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-277: Integrated Curriculum and Instructional Strategies: Math/Science
This course is designed to provide learners with the content knowledge, instructional methods/materials, and assessment techniques needed to provide research-based math and science K - 12 instruction. null Topics include essential math and science concepts and skills, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, culturally responsive instruction, standards-based outcomes, technology enhanced lesson planning, formative/summative assessments, research-based interventions, authentic learning experiences, and reflective practice. null Upon completion, learners will be able to plan, implement, assess, and reflect on developmentally appropriate math and science instruction aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study, other professional and national standards.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-278: Integrated Curriculum and Instructional Strategies: Social Studies/ELA
This course is designed to provide learners with the content knowledge, instructional methods/materials, and assessment techniques needed to provide research-based social studies and ELA K -12 instruction. null Topics include essential social studies and ELA concepts and skills, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, culturally responsive instruction, standards-based outcomes, technology enhanced lesson planning, formative/summative assessments, research-based interventions, authentic learning experiences, and reflective practice. null Upon completion, learners will be able to plan, implement, assess, and reflect on developmentally appropriate social studies and ELA instruction aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study, other professional and national standards.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-279: Literacy Development and Instruction
This course is designed to provide students with concepts and skills of literacy development, instructional methods/materials and assessment techniques needed to provide scientifically-based, systematic reading and writing instruction into educational practice. null Topics include literacy concepts, reading and writing development, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, culturally-responsive instruction, standards-based outcomes, lesson planning, formative/summative assessment, recognizing reading difficulties, research-based interventions, authentic learning experiences, classroom implementation, and reflective practice. null Upon completion, students should be able to plan, implement, assess, evaluate, and demonstrate developmentally appropriate literacy instruction aligned to the NC Standard Course of Study and other state and national standards.
Total Credits:4
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-280: Language and Literacy Experiences
This course provides evidence-based strategies for enhancing language and literacy experiences that align with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Topics include developmental sequences for children's emergent receptive and expressive language, print concepts, appropriate observations/assessments, literacy enriched environments, quality selection of diverse literature, interactive media, and inclusive practices. Upon completion, students should be able to select, plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate language and literacy experiences for children who are culturally, linguistically and ability diverse.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-282: Early Childhood Literature
This course covers the history, selection, and integration of literature and language in the early childhood curriculum. Topics include the history and selection of developmentally appropriate children's literature and the use of books and other media to enhance language and literacy in the classroom. Upon completion, students should be able to select appropriate books for storytelling, reading aloud, puppetry, flannel board use, and other techniques for children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:3
Lab Credits:0
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-283: Educator Preparation Practicum
This course is designed to allow learners to demonstrate acquired skills and competencies in a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Topics include dispositions of effective teachers, portfolio assessment development, reflective practice, teaching methods, assessment strategies, and professional practices based on state and national Teaching Standards. null Upon completion, learners should be able to provide a portfolio assessment with evidence of ethical/professional standards, respect for a diverse population in learning environments, content knowledge, appropriate guidance intervention, and grade-level technology enhanced lesson planning/assessments through practices in the classroom environment.
Total Credits:3
Class Credits:2
Lab Credits:3
Clinic Credits:0
EDU-284: Early Childhood Capstone Practicum
This course is designed to allow students to demonstrate acquired skills in a three star (minimum) or NAEYC accredited or equivalent, quality early childhood environment. Emphasis is placed on designing, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities and environments for all children; supporting/engaging families; and modeling reflective and professional practices based on national and state guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to apply NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development to demonstrate developmentally appropriate plans/assessments, appropriate guidance techniques and ethical/professional behaviors, including the use of appropriate technology, as indicated by assignments and onsite faculty assessments.
Course Prerequisites:
Take One Set: Set 1: EDU-119, EDU-144, EDU-145, EDU-146, and EDU-151 Set 2: EDU-119, PSY-244, PSY-245, EDU-146, and EDU-151 Set 3: EDU-119, EDU-144, PSY-245, EDU-146, and EDU-151 Set 4: EDU-119, PSY-244, EDU-145, EDU-146, and EDU-151
