A.A. Early Childhood Course Descriptions
LA 111 Introduction to Written Composition
A course emphasizing those facets of composition necessary for effective college writing, including information literacy, critical thinking, rhetorical awareness, and principles of revision both global (audience, purpose, structure, genre) and local (style, grammar, mechanics). IA Code C1 900 R. (3)
LA 113 Introduction to Speech
A study and practice of basic principles involved in discovering, arranging, delivering, and evaluating ideas in speech situations. Proficiency exam available. IAI Code C2 900. (3)
SS 171 Psychology
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the most important principles of behavior and mental life. Proficiency exam available. IAI Code S6 900. (3)
SS 164 Sociology
A study of basic sociological concepts and social processes. IAI Code S7 900. (3)
EC 031 Phonics in Review
A course designed to ground teacher candidates with knowledge and skills in the foundations of phonics, enabling them to understand the relationship between letters and sounds fundamental to learning to read, becoming faster readers, and building the skills necessary to master reading and spelling at levels beyond the primary grades. Proficiency exam is available. (1/proficiency)
EC 131 Technology Seminar
This course serves as an introduction to LiveText web based portfolios and to the Educational Technology Competencies requirements for the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood and the Bachelor of Arts in Children's Ministry. This course is optional for TECP program majors. (0 Credits)
EC 134 Intro to Early Childhood Education
An overview of the goals, values, laws, methods, practices and practical resources used for young children birth to third grade and their families in the Early Childhood setting. This course includes 20 hours of field experiences with children birth-eight years of age with a minimum of five (5) hours with infants and toddlers for observation and reflection. (3 credit hours)
EC 147 Health, Safety, & Nutrition
In accordance with national and state guidelines, this course combines basic information and theory, as well as practical applications, resources and care giving skills for children, families, and staff maintaining a healthy environment. (3 credit hours)
EC 221 Teaching Pre-Primary Curriculum
This course is a study of instructional methods, techniques, and assessments used in early childhood education, including a study of activity/learning centers, individualization, educational play, and media. This course includes 15 hours of field experiences five of which will be with infants and toddlers. (2)
EC 234 Child, Family, and Community
This course explores the interrelatedness between families and communities with an emphasis on cultural and ability diversity and its impact on the early childhood education process. This course will also include the study of strategies for facilitating effective relationships between parents, community resources, and agencies. (3 credit hours)
EC 237 Survey of the Exceptional Child
This course is an introduction to the characteristics of exceptional learners and their educational rights and processes, which will include learners with disabilities as well as students who possess giftedness. Classroom practices and interventions as well as training the education professional in appropriate observation skills necessary to understand child & adolescent development, classroom dynamics, and appropriate practices for all children are covered. Additionally, the course covers the legal, ethical issues, family and diversity issues. 30 hours of field experiences required. (3)
EC 238 Child Growth and Development
This course is a practical examination of the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual formation and growth of children from conception through eight years of age. This course includes ten (10) hours of field experiences for observation and reflection in addition to listed class times. (3)
EC 246 Organization and Administration for Early Childhood Directors
This course provides an in-depth examination of the Biblical, legal, and administrative functions for directing early childhood programs. Students successfully completing the course will be prepared to administrate a day care or preschool program. Students must complete 10 hours of field experience. (2 credit hours)
EC 251 Early Childhood Practicum I (Week of E3)
This course includes a preprimary field placement, which involves observation, planning, teaching, collaboration, and reflection of the learning environment. Thirty-five (35) clock hours in an Early Childhood setting(s) a minimum of 25 hours with infants and toddlers are required in an assigned location(s). Students will create a professional development plan and document observations and assessments. Students will also reflect on health safety in early childhood and participate in parent conferences. Freshman spring semester- Week of E3 (5)
EC 252 Early Childhood Practicum II (Week of E3)
This course includes a preprimary field placement, which involves observation, planning, teaching and collaboration, reflection concerning teaching and learning as it applies to child development. Thirty-five (35) clock hours in an Early Childhood setting(s) a minimum of 25 hours with Infants and Toddlers are required in an assigned location(s). Students will reflect on and revise a professional development plan. Students will also be required to document their experience using observations and assessments tools. Sophomore spring semester Week of E3 (3)
EC 261 Director's Practicum I
This course includes a field experience of at least 150 hours of supervision required for those in the A.A. in Early Childhood program seeking Illinois Directors Credential (IDC) Level II. The foci of this program are diversity, program/classroom management, organization, and assessment. (3)
EC 262 Director's Practicum II
This course includes a field experience of at least 150 hours of supervision required for those in the A.A. in Early childhood program seeking Illinois Directors Credential (IDC) Level II. The foci of this course will be on technology use, program budget planning and management, and environmental assessment. (3)
ED 448 01Colloquy
All Teacher Education Early Childhood majors taking 12 or more semester hours at Lincoln Christian College must enroll in Colloquy. To receive a pass, candidates must attend the Fall Welcome Party and complete a Teacher Education Information Update. Pass/No Pass. Every fall semester. (0)
ED 450 Christian Educator Symposium.
A seminar designed to promote dialogue, to challenge, and to encourage students in the Teacher Education, Early Childhood and Children's Ministry programs in their personal and professional goals, study and worldview. Participation is required each year until graduation for all majors including off-campus consortium candidates. Grading for the Christian Educators Symposium is a pass/no pass based on seminar registration and attendance. Pass/ No Pass. Every spring semester. (0)
Additional Training
Infant/Child CPR
All students will be required to complete an Infant/Child CPR course. The course must be completed the summer between the freshman and sophomore year. All students must update this CPR certification yearly and must be valid through June 1 of the graduating year.
First Aid
Students will also be required to complete a first aid course. The course must be completed the summer between the freshman and sophomore year and the certification must be maintained through June 1 of the graduating year.
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting
All students will be required to enroll in the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Correspondence Course and at completion must provide evidence of receiving the “Proficiency Certification” to their advisor. This course should be completed over the summer between the freshman and sophomore year. Students register for this course after purchasing the materials from the University Bookstore and submitting the information with their first assignment enclosed in this material. Students may call Zaner-Bloser's customer service department at 1-800-421-3018 for information or questions about the course. Information about assignments is outlined on page 9 of the course book.
BA Course Descriptions
EC 332 Teaching Primary Curriculum
This is a study of techniques and methodologies of teaching and assessment for language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies at the primary level. This course includes fifteen (15) hours of field experiences with children K-3rd grades for observation, teaching and reflection in addition to listed class times. (2 credit hours)
EC 341Teaching Mathematics I
Emphasis of this course is placed on understanding mathematical principles, teaching strategies, materials, assessments and organizational plans related to development of the mathematics curriculum with an emphasis on the young child in the primary grades. This course includes fifteen (15) hours of field experiences for observation, teaching and reflection in addition to listed class times. (3 credit hours)
EC 329 Language Acquisition, Cognition, & Brain
A course is a study of language acquisition theory and processes, stages of language development, and verbal and non-verbal communication. Emphasis will be placed on language differences and diversity, including minority groups, language disorders, and English as a Second Language, as well as current brain research and its implications for cognition and language acquisition. (2 credit hours)
EC 334 Care of Infants & Toddlers
A course examining the spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and motor development of infants and toddlers with an emphasis on curriculum development, family and understanding of assessment tools. This course includes 10 hours of field experiences for observation teaching, and reflection in addition to listed class times. (3 credit hours)
EC 335 History & Philosophy of Early Childhood
This course serves as an analysis and synthesis of the historical foundations, theories, and teaching philosophies in Early Childhood Education including current professional issues and trends. (3 credit hours)
EC 336 Teaching Reading
This course is a survey of methods and assessment tools used for teaching reading, with an emphasis on the young child in the primary grades. This course includes fifteen (15) hours of field experiences for observation, teaching and reflection in addition to listed class times. (2 credit hours)
ED/EC 337 Children's Literature
This course considers the selection and evaluation of Children's Literature, emphasis is placed on recent material, current trends, controversies, and problems for children 0-8 years of age, an individual in-depth study of a related topic is required. (2 credit hours)
EC 439 Student Teaching
This course is one semester in length and designed for candidates completing the Early Childhood Education Program for state certification (birth-third grade). Candidates are required to complete 480 hours of clinical practice through Student Teaching. Candidates are to pick two of the following three areas to work in during this time: Birth to 3 years, PreK-Kindergarten, and 1-3 grades. All program hours must be completed as a prerequisite and the candidate must be admitted into this stage of the program. The student will be required to implement, reflect on, and or recognize the following: a professional development plan, integrated lesson planning, communicate to official standards and regulations, recognize abuse, health and safety, IEPs, IFSPs or behavior plans, assessment, and families. (12 credit hours)
Additional Courses
EC 138 Learning Environments and Assessment:
A study of how young children learn, their environmental surroundings, and formal/informal assessment techniques for K-3 grade, including strategies on how to work with families. Emphasis is placed on planning for instructions and assessment, guidance and management, and effective use of the learning environment. Includes 15 hours of field experiences. (3 credit hours)
EC 245 Language Arts:
A study about theory and practice in literacy development and the role that speech and language acquisition, children's literature and early exposure to print and social interaction play in long-term literacy skills. (3 credit hours)
EC 399 Special Issues in Early Childhood:
Advanced study of one or more topics in the field of early childhood education. (1-3 credit hours)
EC 434 International Field Experience:
An intense international teaching experience (minimum of 30 hours) including extensive cross-cultural research prior to the experience, cultural and classroom observation, and teaching at least two lesson in an educational settings , as well as reflections on the experience. (3 credit hours)