Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Contact Information

Holly West, MS – Chairperson
Phone: (518) 438-3111, ext. 255

Email: hollyd@mariacollege.edu

Download: Early Childhood Education Fact Sheet

The Early Childhood Education Degree programs (ECE) prepare students to work with young children and families, in both the educational and social service settings, or offers an excellent opportunity for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, making this two-year degree an exceptional, cost-effective alternative for those wanting to advance their education.

Maria’s Early Childhood Education Degree Program Features:

  • Practical hands on experiences from preschool to 2nd grade
  • Classroom observation and participation embedded in most education classes
  • Small class size and individual attention
  • The opportunity to make life-long professional relationships
  • Students will not be closed out of required classes
  • Observation and coursework relating to children with  disabilities

Potential Educational and Career Opportunities for Early Childhood Education Degree Graduates:

  • Transfer to 4-year Colleges and Teacher Education Certification
  • Childcare Teacher, Owner, or Site Director
  • Pre-school teacher
  • Public and Private Elementary School Teacher Assistant
  • Public or Private School Substitute Teacher

Early Childhood Education Degree Program Requirements

As part of the Early Childhood Education Degree program requirements, students will observe and work with the young children. Students are also afforded the opportunity to work with diverse populations in educational settings in the broader community.

“Maria College Early Childhood Education Degree Program is committed to developing collaborative relationships between students and faculty.”
–Holly West, Chair

All students must meet the health requirements of the ECE program.  Satisfactory health approval will be based upon a physical examination and immunization records.

A student must obtain a minimum grade of “C” in each ECE course. (A grade of “C-” is not adequate).  The student must pass both the theoretical and clinical components of each relevant course or the course must be repeated in its entirety.  An ECE course may be repeated only once, and a student who receives a “C-” or less in an ECE course for two consecutive semesters may not return to the program.

General Studies, Letter of Intent students, who wish to apply (or re-apply) to the Early Childhood Education programs, must schedule an appointment with the chairperson.  The interview process will include a review of the student’s course work, attendance and preparation.

Each state and/or profession has procedures for certification and licensure, including, among others, consideration of felony convictions, pending criminal charges and professional misconduct.  As a result, completion of a program does not guarantee licensure or certification in Early Childhood Education.

  1. Education Dept. Professional Membership Resources
    1. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) www.naeyc.org
    2. Children’s Literature Connection (CLC) www.childrensliterature.org
    3. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) www.ISTE.org
    4. Edutopia-K-12 Educator’s Resource Website www.edutopia.org
    5. New York State Education Department Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/preschool/
    6. Department of Media Production, Professional Development Program, Rockefeller College, University at Albany

Division

  1. Day Division

    First Semester

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 16
    Edu 100 Foundations of Education 3

    3 credit hours (Fall) 

    This course is designed to introduce students to the field of education. Content includes a comprehensive overview of the historical, philosophical, sociological, political, and legal foundations of education. Emphasis is given to school organization and structure, the roles of classroom teachers, influences on teaching and learning, diversity, and contemporary education policies and issues.

    Edu 160 Literacy and Literature for Children 4

    4 credit hours (Fall) 
    Cross listed as Eng 160 

    This course provides an introduction to children's literature and literacy. Topics the course will address are: the history and development of literature for children; major works, writers, and illustrators; various genres and their characteristics; nature and function of illustrations; social issues addressed in children’s literature today; uses of children’s literature in the elementary curriculum; and review of recent research and theory concerning literacy development (specifically oral language and assessment materials and preparation of rich literacy environments).

    CSC 100 Introduction to Computers 3

    3 credit hours

    This his course is an introduction to the varied world of computers.  It is designed to familiarize the student with background information on computers, as well as a range of hands-on experiences. This course prepares the student for using computers in an academic environment as well as in functioning as part of an increasingly technological society. Topics include, but are not limited to, using the Internet as an information and research tool, using e-mail as a communication tool, the use of word processing to produce quality documents, a survey of application packages, such as spreadsheets, databases and presentation software, computer components, including hardware and software, an introduction to operating systems, especially Windows file management, Blackboard software and other topics as time allows.

    Eng 111 Composition I 3

    3 credit hours

    A study of the principles of effective written communication with an emphasis on the practical writing needed for academic and professional work. The course concentrates on the development of writing in terms of focus, content, organization, style and mechanics. Students will engage in writing and rewriting using instructor and student feedback. Summaries, short papers, quizzes and APA-style research papers are required.

    Psy 100 General Psychology 3

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to psychology as a science: a study of cognitive, biological and social processes in understanding the dynamics of human behavior.

    Second Semester

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 16
    Edu 101 Curriculum and Instruction Pre-K through Grade 2 4

    4 credit hours (Spring) 

    This course will focus on methods for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula for the primary school in accordance with state and national standards, informed by knowledge of child growth and development. Planning will extend from knowledge of educational programs for children, birth to age four. Students will integrate all major content areas (language arts, science, math, social studies) and the humanities (art, literature, music, drama) in curricular and instructional planning. Modifications required for individual pupils will be addressed. Students will develop plans for appropriate learning environments designed to support the growth of the child in all domains. A 30-hour field experience is required. 

    Prerequisites: Edu 100 Note: Open to ECE majors only.

    Edu 110 Disability in Education 4

    4 credit hours (Spring) 

    This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of special education. It will include information on definitions and terms commonly used in the field, the historical and cultural aspects, and the laws and legal cases affecting the delivery of special education services. Students will also have an opportunity to observe programs designed to meet the special needs of children. A 10-hour field experience is required.

    Edu 130 Creative Expression 3

    3 credit hours (Fall) 

    Students will focus on children’s self-expression through art, music and movement. They will explore the roles, responsibilities and strategies that lead to a play-based curriculum designed to nurture the child’s creative expression and intellect. Students will participate in workshops, observe and evaluate art, music and movement activities in classroom settings, and develop appropriate activities, making appropriate accommodations for children with a full range of individual and collective abilities.

    Edu 150 Classroom Management 2

    2 credit hours (Spring) 

    Students will study and discuss various theoretical approaches to classroom management and identify their potential strengths and appropriate applications to promote optimal learning. They will observe teachers in classroom settings to analyze how each classroom is organized and managed. Emphasis will be placed on organization and planning before the child enters the classroom, meeting the needs of children with a full range of abilities, effective communication, organizing instruction, curriculum planning, procedure and developing rules with children. A minimum of five hours of observation is required.

    ReS 201 Contemporary Moral Issues 3

    3 credit hours
    Cross listed as Phi 201 

    This course is a theoretical and applied ethics course. Students will examine the major ethical theories and apply them to ethical issues and concerns of the twenty-first century. Topics include bioethics, end of life decision-making, environmental ethics, and racism and genocide. In addition, students will use ethical decision-making frameworks in discussing and analyzing case studies.

    Third Semester

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 17
    Edu 210 Pre-Professional Seminar 6

    3-6 credit hours (Fall) 

    This seminar is intended for Education students to acquire supervised observation/participation (Observation Participation Training: OPT) hours in a classroom setting. Students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills they have already acquired in a classroom setting reflecting the age (developmental level) they desire to teach. A one-hour weekly class meeting will provide guidance for students to complete their portfolios as a summative experience. 

    Prerequisites: Edu 100 , Edu 160 , Edu 110 Corequisite: Edu 211

    Edu 211 Portfolio Seminar 1

    1 credit hour (Fall) 

    This seminar is intended for Education students to create, gather and
    organize materials accumulated throughout their course of study in the program. Students will build a portfolio according to New York State Education Learning Standards. 

    Corequisite: Edu 210 (Pre-Professional Seminar) is required.

    Edu 240 Technology in the Classroom 3

    3 credit hours (Fall)
    Cross listed as CSC 235 

    This course focuses on how new computer technologies for learners can be created and used in an educational setting. Student will develop new multimedia environments for learners using the web, video and hypermedia, and students will choose a technology to develop a learning experience for the classroom. 

    Prerequisite: CSC 100

    Edu 245 Child Development and Health 4

    4 credit hours (Fall) 

    A study of early childhood development from conception through age
    eight, across diverse populations, with emphasis on social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development. Health issues as they relate to child development will be explored. Educational implication will be emphasized as theory and research are presented in the context of practical application.

    Soc 101 Introduction to Sociology 3

    3 credit hours

    A study of human society and culture. Social groups, institutions and processes are analyzed to determine their impact on individuals and groups in today’s society. Social change and its impact on social order will be evaluated.

    Fourth Semester

    Code Course Name Credit Hours
    Total Credits 16
    Sci Science with Lab 4
    ReS/Phi Elective 3
    Eng 103 Speech and Oral Interpretation 3

    3 credit hours 

    The improvement of the student’s overall understanding and effectiveness in the communication process as speaker and listener is the goal. Experiences include formal speech presentations and oral interpretations with critique analyses, and group discussion.

    His 210 20th Century U.S. History 3

    3 credit hours 

    This course examines the political, economic and social development of the modern United States and its role in world affairs.

    Mat Elective 3