Curriculum Document

Justification:

          The BA in Human Development and Family Studies, and in particular, the early childhood

specialization, is a new and growing program.  There are however, students who decide that teaching

young children in groups is not their goal. Many of these students are nevertheless interested in specific aspects of young children’s development. The minor will provide students with a basic understanding of

young children and their physical, socio-emotional and cognitive characteristics and needs. It will allow students to tailor an exploration of early development and care without requiring a full complement of specialized teacher preparation. Students will be able to use the combination of required courses,

electives and supervised internship to tailor programs that enhance their major areas of focus, preparing

them to assist children in a variety of settings

Current:                                                                                

Proposed:      18 credits beyond Psy 361

Prerequisite: Psy 361, C or better

Total Hours 18 Credit Hours

3 required courses:

_____BHS 216   Introduction to Early Childhood   

_____BHS 217   Issues in Early Childhood

_____BHS 224   Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

2 Guided Electives: Choose One from each group

_____BHS 228 Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers

_____BHS 310 Math Science and Social Studies in Early Childhood

_____BHS 340 Teaching Very Young Children with Special Needs

_____BHS 320 Children’s Social Development

          AND

_____F& N 260 Food and Nutrition

_____BHS 225 Art Music and Movement in Early Childhood

_____BHS 331 Assessment in Early Childhood

_____BHS 332 Early Childhood Administration

1 Practical Internship:

_____BHS 3XX  Internship in Early Childhood Settings

Impact on Students:

A new minor for students interested in young children, but who do not desire to work in a traditional

classroom setting

What other Academic Departments will be impacted?

Summarize any discussions with the departments listed above:

Impact on University Resources:

Staffing – Currently no additional faculty are required, although if circumstances change, there may be future need for additional tenure track faculty

Resources – Deepening primary bibliographic resources and broadening secondary bibliographic resources

in the university library

Impact on General Education Requirements:

Enhanced opportunity for students to broaden their understanding of the needs and characteristics

of young children.