Early Childhood Education - ECE 230

Course Description

The course is designed to introduce students to the role of social competence in the lives of children. Students are introduced to the development of social competence, principles of group functioning, behavior expectations and appropriate strategies of behavior management in the classroom and the impacts of trauma on children's behavior. In addition, the role of educators for promoting self-regulation, peer relationships and healthy problem solving techniques for children is explored. Emphasis is placed on respecting children and understanding influences on child behavior. This is a program required service learning course. Michigan Central Registry Clearance by the Michigan Department of Human Services is required for this course. This course requires all students must meet the requirements of a criminal background check.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Summarize social competence skill development in children.
• Connect brain development and functioning with social emotional experiences.
• Prescribe ethical behavior management guidelines.
• Identify group roles, group dynamics and the power of influence by groups.
• Outline several accepted methods for promoting self-discipline in children from a developmentally appropriate perspective.
• Explore behavior modification models.
• Evaluate the role of social competence in the lives of children.
• Prepare an activity that enhances the social competence of children in the classroom setting.
• Verify the Child Protection Law and Mandated Reporting of Suspected Abuse and Neglect.
• Demonstrate professional behaviors.

Course Schedule