2007-2008 Undergraduate Academic Catalog - Plymouth State ...

Year ThreeCreditsCD 3000 Philosophical and Historical Perspectiveson the Child in Society (INCO) (WRCO) 3CD 3210 children and Families in Society 3PE 2840 Health and Fitness for Educators (WECO) 3PO 1020 American Government 3Cluster I – complete all courses 12electives 630Year FourCreditsCluster II – complete all courses 12Cluster III – complete all courses 13elective 328Total 122Student Teaching requires a minimum cumulative grade pointaverage of 2.70.Early Childhood Studies,Bachelor of Science122 creditsThe BS in Early Childhood Studies prepares students for careersworking with children from birth through eight years of age andtheir families. The Early Childhood Studies program is basedon the principle that supporting the growth, development, andlearning of young children is meaningful, challenging, andimportant work. Students will develop a strong theoretical andconceptual knowledge base while engaging in supervised fieldexperiences in a variety of early childhood settings, includingthe nationally accredited Child Development and Family Centerat PSU. The program is also grounded in the belief that childrenlive and learn within families, cultures, and communities,and that to truly understand and appreciate each child, earlychildhood professionals must also learn about these broadercontexts. Because early childhood professionals must workcollaboratively with children, families, other professionals,community members and agencies, the program emphasizeseffective communication and collaboration skills and opennessto other perspectives.All Early Childhood majors must choose at least one of thefollowing options. Majors may also choose to take two oreven all three options. These options emphasize the rolesand responsibilities of all early childhood professionals andthe knowledge and skills needed to be an effective leader andadvocate.Early Childhood Studies majors are strongly encouraged tocomplete an academic minor, selected in consultation with theiracademic advisor, to complement their interests and career goals.The BS in Early Childhood Studies also serves as a foundationto pursue advanced degrees in education, psychology, and thehuman services.Early Care and Education OptionThe Early Care and Education Option provides specificpreparation for caring for and teaching children from infancythrough kindergarten and working with young children andfamilies, non-public school settings. Students in this optionwill have extensive experiences working in a variety of earlychildhood settings and programs. These settings could includeHead Start, early intervention, parent cooperative preschools,infant care, public-school-based preschools, private and/ornon-profit child care and preschool programs, hospital-basedprograms, Montessori programs or other settings. EarlyChildhood Studies candidates with this Option are stronglyencouraged to complete an academic minor.Degree RequirementsCreditsCourses required for the Option are shown in boldface.ER 2000 introduction to the Early ChildhoodProfession (WRCO) 3ER 2200 the Constructivist Approach in Early Careand Education 3ER 2300 Young Children’s Learning and Developmentin Context 3ER 2800 Preschool and Kindergarten Curriculumand Instruction 6ER 3200 assessment in Early Childhood (QRCO) 3ER 3300 culturally Responsive Early Care andeducation (DICO) 3ER 3400 The Project Approach 6ER 3550 Early Childhood Practicum 3ER 4200 Senior Seminar: Perspectives on Earlychildhood (INCO) 3ER 4300 Leadership, Advocacy and Policy in EarlyChildhood (TECO) 3ER 4600 Special Topics in Early Childhood 3ERSE 2500 Supporting Young Children with Exceptionallearning Needs 3ERSE 3600 Infant and Toddler Care and Education 4MA 2110 mathematics in Our World I (MATH) 4RL 2500 language and Literacy Development in Youngchildren 3General Education:EN 1200 composition 3IS 1111 the First Year Seminar:critical Thinking and the Nature of Inquiry 3CTDI creative Thought Directions 6PPDI Past and Present Directions 6SIDI Scientific Inquiry Directions 6–8SSDI Self and Society Directions 6GACO global Awareness Connection 3WECO Wellness Connection 3Electives 33–31Total 122EducationPlymouth State University Academic Catalog 2007–2008 125