Early Childhood Education
Office: Lawrence Street Center, 701
Telephone: 303-315-6300
E-mail: academicservices@ucdenver.edu
Website: www.ucdenver.edu/education
Overview
Early Childhood Education Program Pathways
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program area offers a variety of graduate degree, licensure and certificate pathways for students. Each pathway is grounded in a shared commitment to inclusion, equity and social justice from birth through grade three. Deep and reciprocal community-engaged partnerships support relevant learning across a variety of contexts. Faculty bring seasoned experience with teaching practice, research design and community leadership that contributes to innovative and responsive courses where students thrive. Courses are available in a variety of formats to match your learning preferences and personal circumstances.
The ECE Program outcomes are:
- Early childhood professionals who demonstrate an understanding of the interdependent relationship between sociocultural and biological aspects of child growth and development. as well as individual developmental and learning differences between and among young children with and without disabilities.
- Early childhood professionals design and implement culturally, linguistically, developmentally appropriate curricula and create inclusive learning environments for young children. They implement a variety of evidence-based, culturally sustaining practices to individualize learning opportunities for children with diverse identities and sociocultural contexts.
- Early childhood professionals observe and document child development and learning of individual children within their families’ sociocultural context. Early childhood professionals select relevant tools and processes, including formal and informal assessments of development, learning, environments, and programs.
- Early childhood professionals know, use, and advocate for ethical guidelines and professional standards related to interactions with young children, families and other professionals within early childhood contexts.
- Early childhood professionals examine and plan their leadership and advocacy toward equitable, diverse and inclusive early childhood environments. They critically analyze theories, policies, research and practices to promote all children’s development, learning and well-being.
- Early childhood professionals appreciate and value the diverse assets of children’s sociocultural contexts including families and communities. They demonstrate respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships that inspire belonging among children, families and professionals.
ECE Program graduate students may select from the following program options:
Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education Personalized Professional MA. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) PPMA program leads to a master’s degree in early childhood education. The program prepares teachers and leaders who will enrich the life experiences of young children (ages birth to 8 years) and their families through a variety of professional roles. The personalized design of the program of study for each graduate student allows for specialization across diverse areas of focus within a variety of early learning contexts and communities of practice.
Licensure as an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist:
- Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Endorsement (available with or without MA)
- Early Childhood Special Education Initial Licensure (available with or without MA)
The licensure programs focus on building and supporting learning and development of all children across inclusive settings in the natural environments where they live, grow and learn. The program emphasizes family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and is inspired by the potential of all children and families. Field experiences are a part of each course and provide an opportunity for each student to gain knowledge, abilities and dispositions while interacting with children, families, program staff and community agencies. Culminating practicum experiences are designed for students to apply knowledge and practice skills in a closely supervised environment. Upon successful completion of a licensure program, students may apply for either an added endorsement or initial license (depending on the program completed) from the Colorado Department of Education.
Early Childhood options through Continuing Education:
- Early Childhood Education MA through Boulder Journey School Partnership offers the study of innovation for children birth to age 8, at Boulder Journey School, inspired by the schools for young children in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Study quality multi-media examples of learning and teaching, engage in collaborative examination of documentation, and develop interpretations and new practices to innovate the field of Early Childhood Education. This is a fully online program.
Fieldwork and Practicum Requirements
Prior experience with young children is required for enrollment in the MA program. Prospective applicants who do not have field experience can apply for and, if accepted, start the ECE program while working (or volunteering) in a setting with young children. Prior to acceptance in the ECSE licensure program, prospective applicants must provide evidence documenting at least one year of field experience with young children with delays or disabilities.
For the MA in ECE plus the ECSE specialist initial license, a total of 800 hours of fieldwork/practica is required. Approximately 300 hours of fieldwork are associated with course assignments and ongoing field work with culminating practicum experiences occurring toward the end of the second year of study.
Programs
- Early Childhood Education Coaching Certificate
- Early Childhood Education, MA
- Early Childhood Education, MA Online Partnership with Boulder Journey School
- Early Childhood Education, MA Teacher Education Program Residency with Boulder Journey School
- Early Childhood Pedagogy Graduate Certificate
- Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
- Early Childhood Special Education Initial Licensure
- Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Endorsement
Faculty
Associate Professors:
Cristina Gillanders, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Early Childhood Education
Elizabeth Steed, PhD, University of Oregon
Clinical Associate Professors:
Kristie Kauerz, EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University | Leadership for Educational Organizations
Lori Ryan, PhD, State University of New York at Buffalo | Early Childhood Education
Assistant Professor:
Diana Schaack, PhD, Erickson Institute/Loyola University Chicago | Learning, Developmental & Family Sciences
Clinical Assistant Professors:
Andrea Laser, EdD, University of Colorado Denver | Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education (ECED) Courses
Review of principles of early childhood curriculum and program development. Linkages are made between theoretical bases of development and curriculum planning. Curriculum areas considered include language and literacy, mathematics, motor, social-emotional, science, social studies and aesthetic development. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Emphasizes topics required of administrators to effectively lead and manage early childhood inclusive classrooms or other related programs including leadership capacity, professionalism, administration, teaming/collaboration, communities of practice, staff management, safety, and professional development. Cross-listed with ECED 4040. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Theories, practices and research related to working with families and communities. Topics include: social systems perspective, family structures and forms; family support systems; family-centered practice; family/professional partnerships; effective communication; and working with parents of children with special needs. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Emphasizes prevention, positive behavioral interventions and support, and social/emotional development for children birth to eight. Focus on the practical application of intervention strategies based on current research and evidence-based practices. Cross-listed with ECED 7070. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Overview of theories and research in early language and literacy development. Emphasis on sociocultural beliefs and practices associated with the use of language and literacy in the different contexts. Information about language disorders found in early childhood settings is discussed. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Focus on developing knowledge, skills and dispositions to advance equity and social justice in classrooms, programs, and communities to activate educators as social change agents and implement quality inclusive practices for young children from diverse backgrounds. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Introduces developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices in early education and the elementary grades. Subject areas considered include literacy, language arts; mathematics, computers, blocks; science, outdoor education; social studies, thematic units; and art, drama, music, physical activity. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Extends earlier learning about developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices in early education and the elementary grades. Students elaborate their knowledge of subject area materials and activities. A curriculum unit that is developmentally appropriate is planned, implemented and evaluated. Repeatable. Max Hours: 4 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
Focuses on development of infants/toddlers to inform responsive caregiving practices. Develop observation skills to understand infant/toddler behavior. A relationship-based approach to curriculum is emphasized. State requirements for licensed infant/toddler programs, accreditation and quality standards are discussed. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Provides knowledge and field-based experience in the administration and scoring of screening and assessment for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Understand and administer a variety of formal and informal measures including screening, evaluation, play-based and curriculum-based assessments. Cross-listed with ECED 7500. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Evidence-based classroom management strategies to promote social competence and reduce behavior problems. Includes strategies for responding to challenging behavior and developing individualized behavior support plans. Explores factors that influence the lives of young children including family disruption, stress, violence and trauma. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
This course will provide students with a general introduction to the legal and procedural elements that characterize state-of-the-art services to infants and toddlers with ASD. The course will review the Federal mandate for services, principles of practice, and evidence-based teaching strategies for children with autism. Must be accepted into the Infant Toddler Autism Certificate Program. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The course explores current treatment methods and philosophies for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Common intervention approaches are reviewed, with discussion of the evidence base of each. Intervention goals covered address language, play/socialization, early adaptive skills, and positive behavior. Must be accepted into the Infant Toddler Autism Certificate Program. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to implement recommended, evidence-based practices with families of infants and toddlers with or at risk for ASD. The course will review current evidence based strategies for supporting families, collaborating with families, and using evidence-based family coaching strategies. Must be accepted into the Infant Toddler Autism Certificate Program Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course will provide an introduction to theories of child development from an interdisciplinary perspective. It examines development in the cognitive and socioemotional domains utilizing biological, social, psychological and anthropological perspectives and how theory is used to shape program models. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course is designed to provide early childhood leaders with an understanding of the equity issues present in early childhood systems and how these issues are reflected in individual identities and programs. Theories from the academic community will be used to facilitate student growth in understanding how these issues interact with them at a personal, professional and leadership level. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course will deepen student's capacity to lead effectively and learn how to create an adaptive, flexible learning organization well positioned for delivering effective and sustainable programs and services on behalf of young children and families. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course is designed to foster the leader’s appreciation, skills, and practice as a participatory action researcher. Students will learn these concepts by leading a participatory action-research project in their community around a challenging early childhood issue and will present their action research project culminating at a Capstone Celebration.Prereq: Must be admitted to the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP). Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course outlines the evolution of leadership theory over the past half-century and immerses students in an exploration of the values, leadership capacities, and practices that define transformational leadership as they apply to effecting change to support the success and well-being of young children and their families and communities. Prereq: Must be admitted to the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP). Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This courses addresses current issues in research, theory, policy development, and administrative leadership of programs for all young children. Strategic Leadership anchors all decisions to a shared vision through the systematic evaluation and strategic planning for program or organization growth and service. Prereq: Must be admitted to the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP). Max hours: 2 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course provides the historical and political context of early care and education in the United States. Local, state and federal mandates, public laws, and legislative procedures and initiatives will be investigated. Prereq: Must be admitted to the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP). Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The Foundations course focuses on learning, understanding and using relationship and evidence-based coaching skills in early childhood settings. Students will practice the fundamentals of coaching using a systematic, individualized, reflective approach and sharing experiences with others in the course. Cross-listed with ECED 4410. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The Awareness course focuses on increasing coaches' skills at introspection, thoughtful planning, intentional application of coaching knowledge and skills, and continuous improvement. Students will integrate skills with effective application in class and real life coaching experiences, managing progress and accountability. Cross-listed with ECED 4420. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The Attuning course will integrate skills from the Foundations and Awareness courses to complete the EC Coaching Certificate. Students practice refining and altering coaching based on needs and readiness. Students learn sustainable organizational change that embed coaching in all professional practice. Cross-listed with ECED 4430. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
The course will review current research on the learning and development of young dual language learners (birth through 8) and the classroom environments and instruction that can promote their learning. The course uses a socio-cultural framework to view children’s learning. Cross-listed with ECED 4650. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Topics and credit hours vary from semester to semester. Cross-listed with ECED 4800. Repeatable. Max hours:12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Capstone is a final project that demonstrates your academic and professional development. It explains professionally who you are, where you have been, how you have developed in ECE. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
ECED 5933 is the final internship in a series of three completed during the professional year of the ECE program plan that provides the necessary learning opportunities for candidates to gradually develop their practice to be licensed as an early childhood educator. Cross-listed with ECED 4933. Repeatable. Max Hours: 8 credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.
Principles of early reading and mathematical development for grades K-2 including diverse instructional strategies and differentiation for children with disabilities. Linkages are made between child development and learning expectations for mathematics, reading and writing and curriculum planning. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
This course explores multiple perspectives of disability, including: legal definitions and protections, medical models, social construction of disability, cultural perspectives, and familial perspectives of d/Disability. The course emphasizes disability as defined under the IDEA, including features of categorical definitions of disability. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Summer.
Explores current research, knowledge, and skills related to evidence-based intervention strategies and service delivery in high quality inclusive settings for young children with special needs from infancy through age eight. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
This course focuses on the role of the teacher in developing a contextual curriculum that deeply engages learners. Developing curriculum includes observing learners, documenting observations using technology, and reflecting on documentation with colleagues to intentionally implement curriculum plans. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course builds upon competencies developed in ECED 6300: Contextual Curriculum I through curriculum development that relies on the cyclical process of critical observation, documentation, analysis, reflection, and provocation. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course focuses on the Reggio Approach to Early Childhood Education and its interpretation in a Colorado context, Boulder Journey School. Students will experience three modules, each with cycles of inquiry, construction of understandings, application into their own context and mediation by course instructor. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course will provide students with the strategies that promote social competence and reduce the potential for interactions and behaviors that often challenge teachers. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course focuses on the role of the teacher in supporting STEM experiences in diverse contexts. Students will draw from relevant research and philosophy of science, combined with inquiry-based experiences guided by established frameworks, to strengthen their STEM mindset. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
In-depth study of scientific and theoretical foundations of communication and literacy development, the conceptual paradigm of 100 languages of children, the nature of languages, and acquisition patterns in contexts of individual variation, cultural and linguistic differences, or language challenges. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course focuses on partnering with children and other educators around a community-based action project that will contribute to the community. Students will review literature and documentation, collaborate, design, lead, and advocate around a topic that relates to young children. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Research methods are reviewed and then selected topics are considered. Emphasis is on research findings and current issues of importance to teachers, administrators, specialists, collaborator/consultants, and researchers in early childhood and early childhood special education. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
In this experience, you will be introduced to an array of skills/practices that support working effectively with young children and families in the context of their local community. You will work within the community to support children’s academic/social development. Repeatable. Max Hours: 8 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.
Supervised field-based experiences in kindergarten through second grade settings with typically developing children, children with special needs and special education teams. Prereq: ECED 5010, 5070, 5080, 5200, 6100, and 6200. Repeatable. Max Hours: 8 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 8.
This course provides in-depth understanding of the issues that shape contemporary early care and education in the U.S. The course addresses historical and contextual variables, providing a thorough overview of the pedagogy, practices, and policies framing the design and delivery of ECE. Cross-listed with EDUC 7000. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd, EDLI-PhD and SPSY-PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
The purpose of the course is to provide scholars with leadership knowledge and skills to implement policies, laws, programs, and systems that support the use of evidence-based practices with young children with disabilities. Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd and EDLI-PhD majors within the School of Education and Human Development. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd and EDLI-PhD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
The purpose of this seminar is to provide the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practices in early childhood settings. This seminar will focus on policies and practices that support implementation, scale-up, and sustainability of evidence based practices in early childhood systems. Prereq: ECED 7002. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: ECEC 7002 Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd and EDLI-PhD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
This course critically considers the developmental science that informs policy and program development; the social, political and economic forces that shape the study of young children and contribute to trajectories that benefit some children while disadvantaging others; the changing roles of families; and implications of these issues for policy. Cross-listed with EDUC 7010. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
This course aims to introduce students in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies PhD pathway to doctoral studies and to faculty research. The course is also designed to support students in situating themselves in the discipline, enhancing their scholarly identity, and refining academic writing and presentation skills. Cross-listed with EDUC 7011 and HDFR 7010. Max hours: 1 Credit.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
This course is for 2nd year students in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies PhD pathway. The course is designed to support students in developing a research agenda, exploring ethics in research, enhancing scholarly identity, and preparing for comprehensive examinations. Prereq: HDFR 7010 or ECED 7011 or EDUC 7011. Cross-listed with HDFR 7020 and EDUC 7020. Max hours: 1 Credit.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
This course aims to provide third year doctoral students in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies PhD pathway with an immersive writing opportunity and professional development experience to help prepare for comprehensive examinations, the dissertation, and post graduate school life. Prereq: ProSem I and ProSem II (HDFR 7010 or ECED 7011 or EDUC 7011 & HDFR 7020 or EDUC 7020 or ECED 7020). Cross-listed with EDUC 7030 and HDFR 7030. Max hours: 1 Credit.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Prereq: HDFR 7010 or ECED 7011 or EDUC 7011 AND HDFR 7020 or ECED 7020 or EDUC 7020.
Provides an intensive overview of the science of child development. A range of theoretical perspectives will be emphasized highlighting the role of context. Students will apply theory and research to programs that seek to advance equity in opportunities and outcomes. Restricted to EDHD-PhD and LDRE-EDd majors within the School of Education and Human Development. Cross-listed with HDFR 7040. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD and LDRE-EDd majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Emphasizes prevention, positive behavioral interventions and support, and social/emotional development for children birth to eight. Focus on the practical application of intervention strategies based on current research and evidence-based practices. Cross-listed with ECED 5070. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
This doctoral course explores equity and inclusion issues in early childhood education, including historically marginalizing approaches, policies, and practices. Conceptual frameworks are examined for their usefulness in promoting positive change through socially just early childhood practices, policies, and research. Restriction: Restricted to all PhD majors, LDRE-EdD and SPSY-PsyD majors withing the School of Education and Human Development. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd and EDLI-PhD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Provides knowledge and field-based experience in the administration and scoring of screening and assessment for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Understand and administer a variety of formal and informal measures including screening, evaluation, play-based and curriculum-based assessments. Cross-listed with ECED 5200. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to EDHD-PhD, LDRE-EDd, EDLI-PhD and SPSY-PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Study of special topics that examine community and educational settings in Early Childhood Education to be selected by the instructor. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.