Curriculum

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Capstone Project