The course listings for MAEd in Early Childhood Education is as follows:

  • EDU 600 Theories of Child Development 3 units

    Familiarizes students with the foundational theories of human development, current research directions in developmental psychology, major developmental perspectives and research approaches in developmental psychology and issues surrounding diversity, emphasizing an ecosystemic model of thinking about and understanding children and their development. In addition to the previous topics, the following areas will be discussed: the history of childhood; developmental theories and appropriate practices in education; play as a medium for learning and development; and the field of discipline particularly as it relates to development, behaviors and considering temperament in children. 

  • EDU 610 Addressing Special Needs in the Jewish ECE Program 3 units

    This course focuses on how to address, include and support families and children with special education needs. Emphasis will be placed on both ends of the special education spectrum from children with disabilities to those on the gifted end. Best teaching practices will be investigated, observed and applied. Finally, this course will examine legal trends related to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), regional centers and public schools’ role in identification and assistance for special needs, the Free and Appropriate Education requirement (FAPE), the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements and more.

  • EDU 620 Creating Curriculum in a Jewish Early Childhood Development Program 3 units

    Study of the philosophies, history, and development of early childhood programs. Review how existing program types meet the needs of the preschool child and teacher, as well as the criteria of a quality learning environment. Emphasizes relationships between teacher and child. Includes field observations.

  • EDU 630 The Jewish Calendar in the Early Childhood Education Setting 3 units

    Jewish early childhood programs are often led by the Jewish calendar, holidays, celebrations and customs. This course will cover the entire Jewish year as well as celebrations, customs and traditions to help guide students to move beyond ordinary rote planning and into high quality intentional use of the Jewish calendar for teaching and programming.

  • EDU 650 Children and Families Experiencing Stress and Trauma

    This course will examine many of the common and more serious cause - effect relationships of stress within children, including home, school, medical and other stressors. Theoretical treatment approaches will be introduced as well as emphasis for the development of practical skills for parents and teachers.

  • EDU 660 Research Methods

    This course focuses on the fundamentals of research methods and design. Students will learn about the various research methods used in education and psychology, and understand the nuances of conducting a valid and reliable research study. Students will review several research articles, each using a different research design, to become familiar with various research methods. Students will also learn the various steps in the research process from idea formulation to design planning, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. The class involves a class-wide research project that will provide the data for statistical analysis and the subject matter for writing a research paper. In all areas, an emphasis will be placed on research involving children and families.

  • EDU 670 Professional Development, Adult Supervision and Leadership 3 units

    This course provides a seminar on effective leadership in Early Childhood Education. Special attention will be devoted to professional development of teachers and administration, adult supervision, mentoring adults and child advocacy. Additionally, students will examine types of leadership models and theories of management. Finally, this course will examine policy-making processes and procedures that impact children, families, communities, and schools.

  • EDU 680 Observation, Assessment and Relationships with Parents 3 units

    This course explores the importance of family engagement and how it leads to student success in school.  Students will learn about partnering with families, using observations and assessments of children, in helping support the learning and development of the children they work with, as well as, their shared responsibility between home and school. This ability to develop positive relationships with parents and families is an integral part of becoming a proficient educator. Students will read and discuss research which links the relationship between family engagement and positive educational outcomes.  Students will also learn and practice communication methods with parents and guardians, taking into consideration multiple challenging situations as well as maintaining positive relationships.

  • EDU 601, EDU 611, EDU 621, EDU 631 Supervised Practicum I-IV (2 units each)

    Practicum courses serve as a laboratory for students to experiment with and practice the skills and models encountered in their coursework. Actual number of hours will vary for working professionals pursuing the degree. The students are assigned mentors that will support them throughout their master's program and work on personal, professional, and civic goals towards becoming leaders and advocates in the Jewish early childhood profession.

  • EDU 685 Equity, Diversity, and Social Policy in Early Childhood Education 3 units

    This course is designed to provoke questions and possible solutions to complex social
    problems that impact early care and education, children and families. As diversity as
    well as discrimination and exclusion are simultaneously present in today’s society, it is
    imperative that we recognize the value of difference in enriching our lives and in
    preparing us to work effectively and ethically with families and children. In this course,
    we will examine the benefits and challenges of implementing an anti-bias framework in
    the early childhood context and its relationship to enhancing our partnerships and
    communication with families. Active engagement in dialogue and reflection will
    contribute to the evolving professional identities of students as they explore the topics of
    culture, family, identity, diversity, gender, and race and examine US social policies and
    their potential unintended consequences. We will explore how social media, news
    organizations, politics and socio-economic factors affect families, young children, and
    early childhood education.

     

  • EDU 690 Capstone Project 3 units

    Capstone Project