Early Childhood Education
Department Overview
The early childhood education program at the UAF Community & Technical College offers certificate and degree programs that prepare students for a highly satisfying career nurturing young children. Programs are designed for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire to retrain for employment in the early childhood education profession.
ECE F270: Practicum II
Due to the nature of the practicum course (ECE F270) and its recognition of meeting the capstone requirement for the A.A.S. degree, we are unable to grant credit for prior learning through the portfolio process or any process other than completion of the UAF course requirements. This course requires ongoing supervision and mentorship in an environment where skills and knowledge can be actively presented and demonstrated in a classroom situation with children. This course is available to students who are not physically in Fairbanks by coordinating with UAF faculty. We will help arrange the completion of this course in a distant location as needed.
Learn more about the Early Childhood Education program, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
A.A.S. Degree, Certificate, Early Childhood Education
All courses are offered through distance delivery, both asynchronous and with audio or video support for the convenience of students. Face-to-face classes are scheduled in Fairbanks and around the state as needed. These Early Childhood Education programs improve the skills of those already in the field and prepare those seeking employment as early care and education teachers, K-3 teacher aides and child care providers.
Graduates are in high demand and have a wide range of employment opportunities. They can choose to travel the world as civilian support for the military Child and Youth Services or stay in Alaska working for Head Start programs, child welfare agencies, recreation services, schools or child care programs. Diverse opportunities for employment include staff training, program licensing, and entrepreneurial initiatives serving children and families. Contrary to times in the past, graduates are now able to receive fair compensation including good salaries and benefits.
The ECE programs are for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire to retrain for employment in this profession. Through coursework, including fieldwork directly with children, students gain the knowledge and skills they need to meet State of Alaska requirements for employment as administrators or teachers in licensed centers and as aides in elementary schools. Coursework also fulfills minor or concentration requirements for degrees in other disciplines. Students entering any ECE program should meet with an early childhood education advisor to discuss a specific course of study. The courses for the A.A.S. degree can be combined with other disciplines to make a specific focus on young children in areas such as science, movement, leadership, business or creative arts.
Minimum Requirements for Early Childhood Education degrees: Certificate: 34 credits; A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits
Occupational Endorsement, Nanny Caregiving
The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement prepares the student for work as a knowledgeable in-home childcare provider. Students who successfully complete the program will acquire the skills to support the development of infants and young children under their care to grow and thrive in a nurturing environment. The program includes a foundation in child development from prenatal through the elementary school years as well as coursework in curriculum development for various ages, safe healthy learning environments, culture and the young child, and positive social and emotional development.
The occupational endorsement was designed to enable students to complete their coursework in just two terms with careful advising. The program uses performance-based assessment rather than testing. The courses are available 100% online allowing students to work at their own convenience during the designated timeline of the course or with synchronous options. The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement serves as a stepping stone in the early childhood education profession. Students who want to learn more can continue on to the certificate and further degree and career opportunities.
Minimum Requirements for Nanny Caregiving Occupational Endorsement: 20 credits
Minor, Early Childhood Education
The minor in early childhood education allows students to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills through coursework that includes an introduction to the early childhood profession and development of the child in their prenatal, infant and toddler years or in their preschool and primary years. Working with an early childhood program advisor, students will select the classes that are best for their interests.
This minor is a great choice for Bachelor of Arts degree students who need to satisfy their minor requirement, or for Associate of Arts students who want to explore early childhood education as an area of interest.
Minimum Requirements for Early Childhood Education Minor: 18 credits
Courses
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE F101 Early Childhood Professionalism
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Includes historical foundation, current issues and trends, exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate programs, contemporary needs of children and families, the importance of being an advocate, professional standards and career opportunities, introduction to professional organizations including NAEYC and the code of ethical conduct, and explanation for the degree portfolio.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F104X Child Development I: Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Child development: prenatal to age 3 foundation. Includes anticipating the emerging development during the rapid growth of these critical years. Focuses on domains, theories, cultural perspectives and multiple influences on development. Prenatal development, healthy childbirth, the importance of relationships and meaningful environments emphasis. Includes observation, reflection, early intervention and labs.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F107X Child Development II: The Preschool and Primary Years (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Foundation for the study of children ages 3 to adolescence, including developmental domains, theories, milestones and cultural influences, including Indigenous traditional practices. Emphasis on helping students use their knowledge of child development to predict and promote optimal growth in children. Practical experiences, such as observations and laboratory participation are included.
Recommended: ECE F104X.
Special Notes: Not available Odd-numbered Summer years.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F110 Safe, Healthy Learning Environments
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Establishing and maintaining inclusive, safe, healthy, culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for children ages birth-8 years of age. Topics include preventative health care, safety aspects of field trips and indoor and outdoor settings. Completing coursework fall 2017 or later will meet the SOA Child Care Licensing health and safety requirements.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F115 Responsive and Reflective Teaching
3 Credits
How to be ethical, responsive, productive, well-informed practitioners in the field of early childhood. Emphasizes using traditional and local knowledge and values to inform practice, manage personnel and programs, and provide appropriate services and support to young children and their families. Use of observation to transform teaching and management practices. Lab required. This course is comparable to ECE F170. Students should take either ECE F115 or ECE F170 to meet the practicum and reflection requirement for the Certificate and A.A.S. degree.
Prerequisites: ECE F101; placement in WRTG F111X; or permission of program head.
Recommended: Computer with adequate and appropriate software, access to printer, audio conference and internet, and fax machine as needed.
Special Notes: Includes the NAEYC Code of Ethics and NAEYC Standards.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F117 Practical Math Skills
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Computation involving percentages, estimation, problem-solving, reading and creating graphs and tables, data organization and interpretation. Applications of computational skills will be emphasized.
Cross-listed with HUMS F117.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F119 Curriculum I: Principles and Practices
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Methods of creating and facilitating individually and culturally appropriate curriculum for young children. Establishing integrated, meaningful and relevant experiences applied to the area of language and literacy. Includes a balance of individual and small group experiences, child-centered curriculum and teacher-directed times, as well as transitions.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F130 Culture, Learning and the Young Child
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Ways each child within a culture comes to know, accept and take pride in himself or herself. Maintaining a culturally appropriate, open, friendly and cooperative caring relationship with each child's family.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F132 Young Child and the Family
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the importance of a positive and productive relationship between families and the child development centers. Emphasis on using this relationship to coordinate child rearing efforts of both the family and the educator.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.75 + 0.5 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F140 Positive Social and Emotional Development
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores the importance of self-regulation, a strong self-concept and methods for helping children develop positive self-esteem. Focus on emotional intelligence, pro-social orientation, and social competence. Anti-bias curriculum is included. Techniques explored for working with groups of children birth-8 years old including social problem solving and developing skills for making friends.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F170 Practicum I
3 Credits
Offered Spring
A guided student teaching experience in working with a group of 0-8 year old children. Students apply skill in providing quality early care and education based on the knowledge of early childhood theories and approved practices. Assumes increasing responsibility for planning and lead teaching.
Prerequisites: ECE F101; ECE F104X; ECE F107X; ECE F110; ECE F119; ECE F140; ECE F213; ECE F229X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 14
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F210X Child Guidance (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Guidance and discipline approaches for young children, based on an understanding of child development and of developmentally appropriate education practices. Such an understanding assists teachers and parents in addressing the cause of a behavior problem rather than the symptoms.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; or permission of the program head.
Special Notes: Not offered Odd-Numbered Summer years.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F213 Curriculum: Thinking, Reasoning and Discovery
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Emphasizes culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities to advance the cognitive development of young children, with particular focus on science, math and creativity. Includes a variety of approaches to curriculum development, assessment and necessary skills for early childhood teachers. Lab required.
Recommended: ECE F104X; ECE F107X; ECE F119.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F214 Infants and Toddlers
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Developmentally appropriate care/nurturance of infants and toddlers. Utilizing relationship-based practices and child development knowledge this course prepares students to create, facilitate and evaluate infant/toddler curriculum. Includes activities and routines to stimulate development, learning, communication, guidance and health. Research-based techniques and cultural practices included. Weekly practice labs (14 hours) required.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X; or permission of program chair.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F229X Foundations in Nutrition and Physical Wellness (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Become a good role model/teacher for children's wellness through analysis, problem-solving, planning, participation, teaching and reflection on healthy nutrition and movement education/fitness. Covers science of nutrients for energy/growth/regulation; food safety; planning meals. Includes mind-body connection for academic success; elements of movement; environments; fundamental skills of balance, locomotion, music/rhythm and manipulation.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F235 Screening, Assessment and Recording
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Information to help teachers of young children understand the purpose of screening. Presents use of good screening procedures. Explores the importance of assessing young children's development and provides tools and practice for recording and evaluating children's progress towards goals. Includes a variety of evaluation tools for assessing young children's development.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X; ECE F107X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F240 Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Using developmental knowledge, study inclusionary practices. Includes description of developmental and social-emotional screening and referral processes. Encompasses: exceptionality, role of teachers in promoting positive outcomes for each child, building effective learning environments, use of assistive technology and legal (PL94-142 and 99-457) issues related to education of children with special needs.
Prerequisites: ECE F104X, ECE F107X, ED F245 or PSY F245 or permission of the program.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F242 Child and Family Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Examines the family influences on the child, family dynamics and issues impacting families. Focus on the importance of understanding relationship building, support for families and interpersonal skill development that is culturally conducive with individual communities. Examines the ECE program's policies and procedures on families and parental involvement. Includes practical application.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X or permission of program chair.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F249 Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Selected current issues of importance to the human services, early childhood education or child development and family studies fields. Repeatable for credit by Early Childhood Education and Child Development and Family Studies majors to a maximum of nine credits.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits
ECE F270 Practicum II
3 Credits
Offered Fall
An advanced guided field experience in working with a group of young children in a school or center. May include teaching in a team situation and working with families.
Prerequisites: ECE F170; placement in WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 15
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ECE F299 Practicum for CDAs
1-3 Credits
A practical application of all previous CDA competency courses. The student will assume responsibility for children in an approved early childhood setting. (CDA curriculum.)
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
Faculty
Ginger Golsan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor | Program Advisor | Program Director
vggolsan@alaska.edu
Early Childhood Education907-455-2984
UAF CTC
Suzan South, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor | Program Advisor
sasouth@alaska.edu
Early Childhood Education907-455-2931
UAF CTC
