Early Childhood Education (ECED)
The field of Early Childhood Education is concerned with the growth and development of children from birth through age eight. This program focuses on the preschool years (ages 3-5) from a theoretical orientation which places early childhood education within broader social, historical, political, and cultural contexts. Course work in other areas of the social sciences provides a context for students to critically examine early education and child care.
Current research on brain development, political emphasis on “No Child Left Behind”, and longitudinal studies on Head Start indicate a strong relationship between early learning and school success. This can be achieved by developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curricula and a positive working relationship between schools and their families and communities. Students in this program will examine how parents and other family members work collaboratively with teachers to build a learning and home environment that stimulates curiosity through informal educational opportunities. Themes of quality education, multiculturalism, critical thinking, and reflective teaching will be infused throughout the Early Childhood coursework. Early Childhood Education is an exciting and dynamic field in which standards for teachers are being raised and career opportunities are constantly developing.
NOTE: The Early Childhood Education concentration has been developed in partnership with the Associate in Science degree programs in Early Childhood Education from Hawai‘i Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kaua‘i Community College, and Maui Community College. An articulation agreement has been developed to facilitate the transfer of students from the community colleges to UH West O‘ahu. Students who transfer to UH West O‘ahu under the terms of the articulation agreement(s) should consult a Faculty Advisor or a Student Services Advisor prior to beginning their program.
Core Coursework
The following set of core Early Childhood Education coursework or equivalents, are required as program prerequisites prior to taking any 300- or 400-level ECED coursework:
ED 105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ED 110 Developmentally Appropriate Practice
ED 131 Early Childhood Development: Theory into Practice
ED 140 Guiding Young Children in Group Settings
ED 151 and 191v/190 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
ED 115 or ED 215 Health, Safety, & Nutrition for the Young Child (Healthy Young Children)
ED 245/FAMR 235 Child, Family and Community
ED 263 Language & Creative Expression Curriculum
ED 264 Inquiry and Physical Curriculum
ED 296C/P & 291v Field Experience in Early Childhood Education
For students with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, 57 credits are required including the following courses:
1. SSCI 490 Social Sciences Practicum (6)
2. SSCI 300 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
3. SSCI 301 Methods and Techniques in Social Science Research
4. SSCI 310 Applied Statistics I
5. HUM 310 Writing Skills or a passing score on the Writing Assessment Exam
6. Concentration coursework:
ECED 320 Issues, Trends and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
ECED 340 Communication and Relationships in Early Childhood Education
ECED 401 Curricular Models in Early Childhood Education
ECED 402 Emergent Literacy in the Home, School and Community
ECED 420 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs
ECED 440 Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
7. Complementary Area: Nine credits in one additional Social Science concentration area.
8. Social Science Restricted Electives: 12 credits from four different Social Science areas (other than ECED and course work used for the Complementary Area).
Graduates with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from UH West O‘ahu should be able to:
- Plan, implement and evaluate early childhood curriculum and identify the theories and program models that inform curricular choices.
- Apply formal and informal observation methods to diverse groups and individual children and communicate effectively with families and other professionals about student progress.
- Demonstrate respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, appropriate communication and guidance practices with young children, and positive parent-school relations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of fiscal, educational, physical, and human resources for effective early childhood program development.
- Advocate for children and families based upon knowledge of ethical and professional standards, critical thinking, socio-political analysis of programs, self-reflection, and commitment to social justice.