Administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education. Leading to the degree Bachelor of Science.
The curriculum in early childhood education – unified (ECE) prepares graduates to teach young children and work with their families. This curriculum has been approved by the Iowa Department of Education and meets requirements for candidates to seek a teaching endorsement in PK-3, Inclusive Settings, which permits individuals to teach general and special education for children from birth through third grade. Graduates may be employed by either public or private agencies or schools to teach in early childhood classrooms (preschool through third grade) or in home-based programs.
Students who enroll in the early childhood education – unified program must apply to and be accepted into the teacher education program prior to enrolling in advanced courses.
Additional information is also available from the student’s academic advisor.
Students in early childhood education – unified must meet the performance outcome standards for teacher licensure. Standards are assessed in coursework through artifacts such as assignments, projects, or practicum participation. These standards assessments are based on the early childhood content standards for endorsements 1001 and 262 in the State of Iowa. These include competencies in (1) promoting child development, learning and individual learning differences, (2) building family and community relationships, (3) observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families, (4) using developmentally and individually effective approaches to connect with children and families, (5) using content knowledge to build a meaningful curriculum, (6) professional responsibilities, and (7) early childhood field experiences. Pre-student teaching field experiences in at least three settings, and student teaching experiences in at least two different settings is required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program will meet the following learning objectives, as defined by the InTASC standards for teacher preparation.
Standard 1: Learner Development
The student understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Standard 2: Learning Differences
The student uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Standard 3: Learning Environments
The student works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Standard 4: Content Knowledge
The student understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
Standard 5: Application of Content
The student understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Standard 6: Assessment
The student understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
Standard 7: Planning for Instruction
The student plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Standard 8: Instructional Strategies
The student understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Standard 8A: Technology
The student integrates current and emerging technology in instruction to encourage student creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. Teachers practice and advocate safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
The student engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration
The student seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
Curriculum in Early Childhood Education – Unified
Degree Requirements
121 total credits required
Professional Education core: 15 credits
| EDUC 2010 | Educational Technologies in the PK-6 Classroom ** | 3 |
| EDUC 2050 | Social Foundations of Education in the United States: Early Childhood and Elementary Education | 3 |
| EDUC 3320 | Educational Psychology of Early Childhood and Elementary Education ** | 3 |
| EDUC 4050 | Social Justice Education and Teaching: Early Childhood and Elementary | 3 |
| SPED 2500 | Education of the Exceptional Learner ** | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
**Must receive a "C" or above
Preprimary Inclusive: 24 credits
| HDFS 2400 | Literature for Children ** | 3 |
| HDFS 3400 | Assessment and Curriculum: Ages Birth through 2 Years ** | 4 |
| HDFS 3420 | Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood ** | 3 |
| HDFS 3430 | Assessment and Curriculum: Ages 3 through 6 Years ** | 4 |
| HDFS 3450 | Inclusive Teaching and Interaction Strategies ** | 3 |
| HDFS 4550 | Curriculum and Interventions: Ages 3 through 6 Years ** | 4 |
| HDFS 4560 | Working with Families in Early Intervention ** | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
**Must receive a "C" or above
Primary Inclusive: 21 credits
| EDUC 2450 | Landscape of Teaching ** | 3 |
| EDUC 3770 | Teaching Literacy in the Primary Grades ** | 4 |
| EDUC 4330 | Teaching Social Studies in the Primary Grades ** | 2 |
| EDUC 4380 | Teaching Mathematics in the Primary Grades ** | 2 |
| EDUC 4390 | Teaching Science in the Primary Grades ** | 2 |
| EDUC 4680F | Pre-Student Teaching Experience III: Primary Grades Inclusive, Literacy ** | 1 |
| EDUC 4680G | Pre-Student Teaching Experience III: Primary Grades Inclusive, Mathematics ** | 1 |
| EDUC 4680I | Pre-Student Teaching Experience III: Primary Grades Inclusive, Science ** | 1 |
| SPED 4050 | Assessment and Instructional Methods in Inclusive Primary Settings (K-3) ** | 4 |
| SPED 4580 | Pre-Student Teaching Experience III: Mild/Moderate Disabilities in Primary Grades (K-3) ** | 1 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
**Must receive a "C" or above
Student Teaching**: 16.5 credits
| EDUC 4160A | Supervised Student Teaching - Elementary: Primary grades (K-3) | 8 |
| HDFS 4170C | Supervised Student Teaching: Early Childhood Special Education Programs. | 8 |
| HDFS 4180A | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Teaching | .5 |
| Total Credits | 16.5 | |
**Must receive a "C" or above
Orientation: 2 credits
| HDFS 1100 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HDFS 1110 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HDFS 2080 | Early Childhood Education Teacher Orientation | 1 |
| Total Credits | 2 | |
Human Development and Family Studies: 3 credits
| HDFS 2240 | Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 ** | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Communications and Library: 10 credits
| ENGL 1500 | Critical Thinking and Communication ** | 3 |
| ENGL 2500 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition ** | 3 |
| LIB 1600 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| Communication course from approved general education options list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
**Must receive a "C" or above
Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Health: 14 credits
| MATH 1950 | Mathematics for Elementary Education I * | 3 |
| MATH 1960 | Mathematics for Elementary Education II * | 3 |
| HS 1050 | First Aid and Emergency Care | 2 |
| Biological Sciences course from approved general education options list | 3 | |
| Physical Sciences course from approved general education options list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
*Must receive a "C-" or above
Social Sciences: 9 credits
| HDFS 1020 | Human Development | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Survey of United States History I | ||
| Survey of United States History II | ||
| Introduction to American Government | ||
| Social Sciences course from approved ECE list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Humanities: 6 credits
| Humanities courses from approved ECE list | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives: .5 - 1.5 credits to equal 121 total credits
Total Credits: 121
U.S. Cultures and Communities and International Perspectives Requirement: Students in early childhood education – unified fulfill the U.S. Cultures and Communities and International Perspectives Requirements by choosing three credits of coursework from university-approved Humanities or Social Sciences included on the approved general education options list.
The courses listed in this section are approved general education course options for this major.
Communication Skills: 3 credits
| COMST 2100 | Communication and U.S. Diversity | 3 |
| COMST 2110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMST 2140 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| COMST 2180 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| SPCM 2120 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 6 credits. Coursework designed to facilitate students' understanding of the structure and behavior of the natural world, appreciate mathematics as a valuable tool of the sciences, and an intrinsically important way of thinking.
Biological Sciences: 3 credits
| ANTHR 2020 | Human Origins | 3 |
| BIOL 1010 | Introductory Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 1550 | Human Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 1730 | Environmental Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 2110 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 2550 | Fundamentals of Human Anatomy | 3 |
Physical Sciences: 3 credits
| ASTRO 1200 | The Sky and the Solar System | 3 |
| ASTRO 1500 | Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology | 3 |
| CHEM 1600 | Chemistry in Modern Society | 3 |
| CHEM 1630 | College Chemistry ((4 credits)) | 4 |
| GEOL 1000 | How the Earth Works | 3 |
| GEOL 1010 | Environmental Geology: Earth in Crisis | 3 |
| MTEOR 2060 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| PHYS 1010 | Physics for the Nonscientist | 3 |
| PHYS 1020L | Physical Sciences for Elementary Education | 3 |
Social Sciences: 9 credits. Coursework designed to help students develop an understanding of the principal methods of studying human behavior and an understanding of the structure and functioning of institutions.
| AESHM 4210 | Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | 3 |
| AFAM 3300 | Ethnic and Race Relations | 3 |
| AMD 1650 | Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | 3 |
| AMD 3620 | Global Dress in the Fashion System and Society | 3 |
| AMD 4670 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
| AMIN 3100 | Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AMIN 3150 | Archaeology of North America | 3 |
| AMIN 3220 | Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | 3 |
| Anthropology (ANTHR) - except 2020 | ||
| Economics (ECON) | ||
| FSHN 3420 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
| HDFS 2390 | Consumer Issues | 3 |
| HDFS 2490 | Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | 3 |
| HDFS 2760 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| HDFS 3600 | Housing and Services for Families and Children | 3 |
| HDFS 3670 | Abuse and Illness in Families | 3 |
| HDFS 3770 | Aging and the Family | 3 |
| HDFS 3950 | Children, Families, and Public Policy | 3 |
| INTST 2350 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| LING 2190 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LING 4710 | Language and Reading Development in Children | 3 |
| Political Science (POLS) | ||
| Psychology (PSYCH) - except 1310, 3320/3330 | ||
| Sociology (SOC), including Criminal Justice (C J) | ||
| WGS 2010 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 2030 | Introduction to Lesbian Communities | 3 |
| WGS 3010 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| ENVS 3200 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
| WGS 3270 | Gender and Sexualities in Society | 3 |
| WGS 3280 | Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood | 3 |
| WGS 3460 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| AFAM 3500 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| WGS 3850 | Women in Politics | 3 |
Humanities: 6 credits. Coursework designed to assist students to develop an understanding of human cultural heritage and history, and an appreciation of reasoning and the aesthetic value of human creativity.
| AESHM 3420 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
| AFAM 2010 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AFAM 3340 | Africana Religions | 3 |
| AFAM 3470 | African American Literature | 3 |
| AFAM 3530 | History of African Americans I | 3 |
| AFAM 3540 | History of African Americans II | 3 |
| AMD 3540 | Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
| AMD 3560 | Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
| AMIN 2100 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AMIN 2400 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
| AMIN 3460 | American Indian Literature | 3 |
| ANTHR 2300 | Globalization and the Human Condition | 3 |
| ANTHR 3400 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | 3 |
| ARCH 2210 | Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | 3 |
| ARCH 4200 | Topics in American Architecture | 3 |
| Art History (ART H) | ||
| Classical Studies (CL ST) | ||
| DANCE 2700 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DANCE 3600 | History and Philosophy of Dance | 3 |
| History (HIST) except 2210 or 2220 | ||
| HSPM 2600 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| Literature (ENGL) except 2050 | ||
| MUSIC 1020 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
| MUSIC 3020 | Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture | 3 |
| MUSIC 3040 | History of American Rock 'n' Roll | 3 |
| MUSIC 3830 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUSIC 3840 | History of Music II | 3 |
| Philosophy (PHIL) | ||
| Religious Studies (RELIG) | ||
| THTRE 1060 | Introduction to the Performing Arts | 3 |
| THTRE 1100 | Theatre and Society | 3 |
| THTRE 4650 | Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century | 3 |
| THTRE 4660 | Theatre History: 19th Century to Present | 3 |
| USLS 2110 | Introduction to U.S. Latino/a Studies | 3 |
| WGS 2010 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 3360 | Religion, Sex and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 3380 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
| WGS 3450 | Women's Literature | 3 |
| WGS 3700 | Studies in English Translation | |
| WGS 3740 | Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| WGS 3860 | History of Women in America | 3 |
| World Languages and Cultures (ARABC, CHIN, FRNCH, GER, GREEK, RUS, SPAN) | ||
Early Childhood Education - Unified, B.S.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 1020 | 3 | HDFS 2080 | 1 |
| HDFS 1100 or 1110 | 1 | Humanities Option* | 3 |
| LIB 1600 | 1 | HIST 2210 or 2220 | 3 |
| EDUC 2050 | 3 | MATH 1950 | 3 |
| ENGL 1500 | 3 | SPED 2500 | 3 |
| Humanities Option* | 3 | Social Sciences Option* | 3 |
| PSYCH 1310 (recommended elective) | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 1960 | 3 | EDUC 2450 | 3 |
| ENGL 2500 | 3 | EDUC 3320 | 3 |
| EDUC 2010 | 3 | HDFS 2240 | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Option* | 3 | Biological Sciences Option* | 3 |
| HDFS 2400 | 3 | Communication Option* | 3 |
| Apply to Educator Preparation program | |||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 3770B | 4 | EDUC 4330B | 2 |
| EDUC 4380B | 2 | EDUC 4390B | 2 |
| EDUC 4680FB | 1 | EDUC 4680IB | 1 |
| EDUC 4680GB | 1 | SPED 4050B | 4 |
| HDFS 3400 | 4 | SPED 4580B | 1 |
| HDFS 3450 | 3 | HDFS 3420 | 3 |
| Finalize Degree Audit | HDFS 3430 | 4 | |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 4550 | 4 | EDUC 4160AB | 8 |
| HDFS 4560 | 3 | HDFS 4170CB | 8 |
| EDUC 4050 | 3 | HDFS 4180A | .5 |
| HS 1050 | 2 | ||
| Electives, if needed to equal 121 total credits | .5-3 | ||
| Take Praxis II prior to Licensing | |||
| Apply to graduate | |||
| Apply to student teaching | |||
| 12.5-15 | 16.5 | ||
This sheet provides a guide to the sequence of HDFS and EDUC courses; courses adhere to a prescribed sequence of semesters. Your academic advisor will help you develop an individual long-range plan.
- B
Block of courses listed together in the semester must be taken concurrently as sequenced
- *
See approved general education options list of courses for courses in Biological Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences
ISU requires a 3 credit U.S. Cultures and Communities course (satisfied by HDFS 2400) and a 3 credit international perspective course (usually met through a University approved humanities or social science options from the approved general education options list).