Adolescence is the largest developmental period other than infancy. The purpose of this course is to provide a solid foundation for educators and professionals to be able to critically think about supporting healthy adolescent development. In this course, students will apply key concepts and developmental theories related to the physical, social-emotional, behavioral, and cognitive changes during adolescence.  Students will interpret research on the development of adolescent gender identity, sexuality, and romantic relationships.  Additionally, students will analyze effective practices for communication with adolescents in the context of family and school.  Throughout the course students will analyze the impact of diverse experiences on adolescent development. Lastly, students will propose strategies for supporting adolescents facing mental health and behavioral issues.

This course explores fiscal management, policies, and law topics surrounding the field of early childhood education. This course culminates in the development of the student’s personal vision of leadership and a plan for a high-quality early childhood education program. Prerequisite: ECA 400.

This course will further explore the knowledge, skills and roles of an early childhood professional in leading staff, families, children and communities. Students will explore the building, maintaining, and leading of early childhood programs fostering communication, collaboration, and high quality practices. Prerequisite: ECA 380

This course will provide students with a clear and practical introduction to the leadership foundation including the knowledge, skills, theories, roles, and responsibilities prevalent in early childhood education administration today. This course will provide students with the framework to begin to build their leadership philosophy. Prerequisite: ECE 312.

In this course, students will examine some of the most recent and classical organizational ethics cases using the framework from managing business ethical procedures and practices. This course will provide a sound ethical decisions making guideline for students to use when making business ethical decisions and encourage ethical conduct and discourage unethical conduct in the workplace. Student will also explore how business ethics impact the global business environment and the current thinking on business –society and the business-environment relationships.

The Retirement and Estate Planning course is designed to introduce methods and techniques of personal financial planning with an emphasis on how a client’s needs are addressed within the confines of government rules and regulations. This course will include an examination of the laws, regulations and benefits available to those who are retiring, who have retired, or those who are estate planning. Prerequisite: ACC 401

Professional Responsibilities in the Early Childhood Environment examines key topics related to ensuring high-quality early learning environments by examining what it means to be an early childhood professional. In this course, students will describe the professional standards and ethical behaviors necessary to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Students will also analyze the concept of professionalism within the context of early childhood education and examine administrative practices for running well maintained early childhood facilities. Additionally, students evaluate the importance of professional development, reflective practice, and lifelong learning for early childhood professionals. Finally, students develop a plan to foster advocacy in the field of early childhood education and care.

In this course, students will examine approaches and critical perspectives in multicultural education that acknowledge and support the needs of diverse children and families. Students will design activities and environments that are culturally and linguistically inclusive as well assess personal cultural competence and context for the purpose of building respectful, reciprocal relationships with diverse children and families. Finally, students will evaluate how families and culture affect the development of the child in order to plan for bias-free interactions and environments.