Plan of Study – MAT Early Childhood Education

A focus on the historical events, ideological controversies, and political and social forces that have shaped the American education system from the colonial period to the present. Designed to develop in educational leaders an understanding of the relationship between schooling and society.

A focus on the knowledge and skills needed by educators to understand, evaluate, and use research. Critical analysis of the major principles of teaching and classroom learning. Applying research skills to researching and critically analyzing recent trends and traditional theories in the field of education.

Important components of educational change and collaborative leadership are explored. The course emphasizes methods for fostering analysis and communication necessary for changing standards of practice. A field component encouraging participating as an educational change agent is a vital part of this experience, enabling students to make connections to holistic evaluation, program improvement, and community involvement. Recommended to be taken early in the master’s program.

Historical and philosophical foundations of early childhood curricula; effects of curriculum standards in early childhood education for the state of Michigan; creating supportive learning environments with community curricular expectations; adapting learning tasks in light of learning profiles, interests, and developmental challenges.

The role of the family in children’s learning and development; the importance of forming positive home/school relationships with all families; strategies for working in partnership with parents, caregivers, and other professionals for the purpose of supporting the learning and development of children. Readings and experiences focus on the development of advocacy skills for children and their families.

The study of theoretical foundations and procedures appropriate for evaluating the development and learning of the young child. Special consideration given to the assessment of diverse or exceptional populations. Connections are made between understanding and appropriate usage of formal and informal assessment, current assessment issues, and assessment strategies.

Understanding typical and atypical development of infants and toddlers in order to create developmentally appropriate learning environments meeting Michigan Standards of Quality for Infant and Toddler Programs. Creating respectful, responsive, supportive and challenging learning experiences and activities for all infants and toddlers. Strategies for partnering with families to support infant and toddler development, including participation in IFSPs (Individual Family Service Plans) and IEPs (Individualized Educational Plans).

Practicum of 120 clock hours in a childcare center, with a seminar to support students in the experience. Cumulative assumption of responsibilities in the early childhood classroom. Corequisite: ECE 3580.

Design and implement learning experiences for children with exceptionalities through the use of learning supports and transition planning, and including the use of adaptive, assistive, and augmentative technologies. Students work in a professional team context to support developmentally appropriate practice, including the construction of domain-specific learning goals for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Includes a field component.

Application of theoretical understandings of school organizational change and informed advocacy gained through the Early Childhood Program. Students create a workshop for early childhood professionals based on research completed in EDU 5710. Prerequisite: EDU 5710.

Exploration of the historical and social context of current technology and projection of future roles and trends based on published research. Discussion of issues relating to professional development, resources evaluation, professional empowerment, and diversity. Examination of social and ethical issues facing P-12 schools. Students survey the software and hardware available to support teaching, communication, and multimedia.

Study of relevant research and theory in the area of emergent and beginning literacy development; effective instruction of children at these early stages of development; administration of assessments to monitor student performance and provide effective instruction; and design and implementation of the various critical components of a balanced literacy program for the pre-K-3rd grade.

Study of relevant research and theory in the area of emergent and beginning literacy development; effective instruction of children at these early stages of development; administration of assessments to monitor student performance and provide effective instruction; and design and implementation of the various critical components of a balanced literacy program for the pre-K-3rd grade.

Investigation of the body of literature available for students, K-12. Presents criteria for selection, methods of integrating literature into the curriculum at all grade levels, and strategies to provide formalistic and sociocultural readings of text.