This program introduces foundational theories and research on child development from birth through age eight. Students examine cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth while exploring how cultural, familial, and environmental factors influence development. Emphasis is placed on observing children in real early childhood settings, analyzing developmental milestones, and connecting field experiences to theoretical perspectives. Through faculty-guided instruction, applied assignments, and reflective practice, students build a comprehensive understanding of whole-child development.

​This program provides early childhood educators with a comprehensive, hands-on approach to integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into early learning environments. Through guided explorations, educators will learn to design and facilitate engaging, inquiry-based activities that align with child development principles and support diverse learning styles. The course emphasizes experiential learning strategies that foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in young children. Participants will examine real-world connections to STEAM concepts, learn techniques for incorporating cross-disciplinary thinking, and explore approaches that promote equity, accessibility, and inclusiveness in the classroom. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to implement developmentally appropriate STEAM experiences that encourage critical thinking and innovation, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

This program is designed to prepare aspiring and current early childhood educator leaders with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). Through a problem-based learning approach, students will explore real-world challenges in educational settings and develop strategies that foster an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environment. The course emphasizes practical applications of leadership theories, ethical decision-making, collaborative practices, and strategic planning to improve school culture, teaching, and learning outcomes.

This program examines the vital role of families, communities, and cultural contexts in early childhood development. Students explore how family structures, parenting styles, social environments, and community resources influence children’s growth, learning, and well-being. Emphasis is placed on building inclusive, respectful partnerships between families and educators that support positive developmental outcomes. The course equips students with practical strategies for engaging families, promoting cultural competence, and implementing family-centered practices in accordance with ethical and professional standards in early care and education.

This program provides an in-depth exploration of early development from birth through age three, emphasizing the importance of responsive caregiving and relationship-based practices. Students examine the physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language milestones that occur during infancy and toddlerhood, with attention to the influences of family, culture, and environment. Topics include creating safe and nurturing learning spaces, understanding attachment and temperament, supporting emerging communication and self-help skills, and implementing caregiving routines that promote trust, autonomy, and exploration. Through observation, reflection, and applied assignments, students learn to design developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive care plans that meet the diverse needs of infants and toddlers in group and home-based settings.

This program introduces essential knowledge and practical skills related to child health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. Students will learn how to create environments that support young children's physical well-being by focusing on illness prevention, injury reduction, emergency preparedness, and environmental safety. Topics include pediatric first aid and CPR, nutritional guidelines, safe food practices, and strategies to prevent lead exposure. The course also reviews regulatory standards such as Title 22 and prepares students to develop emergency and disaster response plans. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on training, students will be equipped to promote and maintain health and safety in early learning environments.

In this program, students explore developing an integrated approach to curriculum and instruction in the early years. Students will address all aspects of classroom life, including the roles of children and adults; the physical and social environments; and learning and assessing within multiple domains for children. Students will learn about practical, research-based guidelines for translating theory into best practice that accommodates age-appropriateness, individual differences, and social and cultural diversity. Students learn how to conceptualize, plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum through detailed application opportunities.

This program provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved in planning, administering, and evaluating early childhood education programs. Students will examine key areas of program leadership, including curriculum planning, staff recruitment and development, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. Emphasis is placed on the role of administrators as instructional leaders, mentors, and managers who support inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Students will explore strategies for managing a variety of program types, such as private centers, family child care homes, faith-based programs, and federally funded operations, and will review tools like the Program Administration Scale (PAS) to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.