Early Childhood Education (ECE) Courses
ECE 294 Topics in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides opportunity to study current topics in early childhood education which are either not included in current offerings, or require emphasis beyond that offered in existing courses.
ECE 295 Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
ECE 299 Experimental Offering in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGWR 300 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children, from birth through age eight. It explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators and identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. The course introduces best practices for culturally affirming, developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children, including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
ECE 312 Child Development
- Same As:PSYC 372
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: PSYC 372, 373, and ECE 312 combined: maximum credit, one course )
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D9; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4I
- C-ID:C-ID CDEV 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence with attention to both typical as well as atypical development in each domain. The influences of culture, family, and the interaction of biological processes and environmental factors are studied. The course covers research methods and data collection approaches. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories and research. The material in this course is designed as a foundation for early child care and education, teaching, and parenting. This course is not open to students who have completed PSYC 372.
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGRD 310, ENGWR 300, and ESLW 340 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4G
- C-ID:C-ID CDEV 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an examination of the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. It examines the influence of multiple societal contexts, and explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. This course offers the opportunity to research and review the diverse community resources available to support the child and the family, and identify ways to advocate for children and families.
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education
- Units:4
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 AND ECE 312 or PSYC 372 with a grade of "C" or better.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of negative tuberculosis as well as immunizations for influenza, pertussis, measles and other immunizations required by the Los Rios Community College District prior to participating in the lab. If the TB test is positive, the test shall be followed by an X-ray of the lungs.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the topics of developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum, anti-bias education, and environments for children from birth through age eight. This course applies knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice and anti-bias education to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings. This course provides the opportunity for supervised experience working with children in an early childhood education setting, when placements are available.
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education
- Units:4
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of negative tuberculosis as well as immunizations for influenza, pertussis, measles and other immunizations required by the Los Rios Community College District prior to participating in the lab. If the TB test is positive, the test shall be followed by an X-ray of the lungs.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 210
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This advanced course is aimed at leadership development in developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals when placements are available. This course offers the opportunity for students to utilize practical experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.
ECE 325 Positive Guidance Strategies with Young Children
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces strategies that teachers can use to help young children develop social and emotional skills. It examines theories, research, and practical applications for teachers in early childhood classrooms and parents at home. The course emphasizes how the adults' perceptions, experiences, and behavior influence child behaviors and also play a role in how adults respond to child behavior. Developmental stages of children's behavior, positive guidance techniques, and promotion of social-emotional skills are also covered.
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310, ENGWR 300, or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 200
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course links critical and reflective thinking to observation and assessment of young children’s development. It prepares teachers of young children to use observation, documentation, and interpretation strategies to improve program quality in early childhood settings. Multiple forms of child assessment and early childhood program assessment are explored.
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. It applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development.
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course analyzes the application of current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. It examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth through 36 months of age.
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
The course is an introduction to the constructivist approach to teaching math and science in early childhood education. The content and teaching strategies support the perspective that children construct knowledge through a dynamic, interactive process that facilitates their development of working theories related to math and science. Topics include an overview of the role of the teacher in developing appropriate experiences for children and a review of current standards and guidelines.
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares early childhood educators and others working with young children to recognize, understand, and support emergent language and literacy development. Developmentally appropriate language and literacy practices for young children (birth to age five) that build a strong foundation for learning to read and write in the primary grades will be covered. Topics include an overview of the educator’s role in developing appropriate language and literacy experiences for young children, including ways to support children with delays/disabilities and children learning English as an additional language.
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience
- Same As:ENGED 324
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:In order to participate in the fieldwork portion of the course, students will need to complete any clearance processes required by the cooperating school's policies. These may include but are not limited to: fingerprinting, background checks, and vaccinations.
- Advisory:ECE 312 or PSYC 372
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- C-ID:C-ID EDUC 200
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students an opportunity to explore the field of elementary education, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12), through investigation of topics relevant to teaching diverse learners and fieldwork in an elementary school setting. Course content provides theoretical and foundational knowledge while fieldwork experiences allow students to integrate and apply course content.
This course is not open to students who have completed ENGED 324.
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area I
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course prepares teachers in early childhood education with strategies for introducing young children to the media and tools of drawing, painting, sculpting, and other visual arts commonly used by young children to represent and understand the world around them. It focuses on observing children's natural ways of exploring each medium and learning strategies to facilitate and document children's emerging skills and relationship with each medium. It includes strategies for designing early childhood environments that promote children's exploration of visual arts.
ECE 363 Music and Movement with Young Children
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area I
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces students to theoretical principles and practical applications for integrating appropriate music and movement experiences in early childhood settings. It focuses on using music and movement as strategies for forming a classroom community of learners, and managing behaviors, routines, and transitions. This course also explores incorporating culturally diverse music and movement activities to support children's understanding and acceptance of differences.
ECE 401 Field Experience in Inclusive Settings
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ECE 404
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show evidence of a negative test or chest X-ray clearance for tuberculosis as well as required immunizations as required from the local school district or education agency. Students may need to submit fingerprints as a requirement for entry into a school setting. A fee will be required.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides experience working in a school environment with children and youth who have disabilities. It is designed as a laboratory for those who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in ECE 404. The course covers skills for students who want to be general educators, special educators, school and social service providers, and/or other community workers who are essential in providing inclusive/integrated environments for children and youth with disabilities. Environmental modifications in educational, agency, and community settings are studied. Classroom modifications in curriculum, assessment, behavior management, and instructional methods are examined. When taken after or concurrently with ECE 404, it is designed to meet the Special Education requirement for clear multiple and single subject credentials in California. Students must supply their own transportation to selected elementary school placements.
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better; ECE 330 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the characteristics of atypical infant assessment procedures and techniques for intervention in the developmental areas of sensory stimulation and integration, motor development, cognition, language, social, and self-help skills. It explores community services, agencies, and career opportunities in fields related to the infant with atypical development.
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 312 or PSYC 372 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an overview of the developmental characteristics and learning differences of children with disabilities from birth through adolescence. It includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with disabilities, the identification and referral process, and current educational strategies including assessment and curriculum design. Community resources, advocacy, and challenges for children with disabilities and their families will be examined. When taken concurrently with ECE 401, it is designed to meet the Special Education requirement for clear multiple and single subject credentials in California.
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Same As:NUTRI 320
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 220
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines basic nutrition, health, and safety needs of children from the prenatal period through school age. Topics include introduction to early childhood curriculum, laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to child health, safety, and nutrition. It emphasizes integrating and maintaining the optimal health, safety, and nutritional concepts in everyday planning and program development for all children, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. This course is not open to students who have taken NUTRI 320.
ECE 420 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ECE 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. It covers program types, budgets, management, regulations, laws, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures. It also examines various administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to open, organize, and operate an early care and education program.
ECE 422 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ECE 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. It includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early childhood education program.
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 314 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ECE 320 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers principles and methods of supervising and mentoring teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early childhood education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and teachers working collaboratively to guide a teaching team or individual within an early childhood education setting. This course satisfies the adult supervision course work requirement for the California Child Development Master Teacher Permit and Site Supervisor permit issued by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 230
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. This course also includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.
ECE 495 Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
ECE 499 Experimental Offering in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.