Early Childhood Education STEAM Integration Certificate
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Undergraduate Certificate: Early Childhood Education STEAM Integration
The Early Childhood Education STEAM Integration Certificate allows you to seamlessly integrate math, science, and knowledge of the arts into early childhood education curricula. It’s the fourth in a series of five certificates required to earn a BA in Early Childhood Education. This credential consists of eight courses and lab work focused on integrating content across the curriculum, with a special emphasis on general education curriculum content knowledge.
NU — in collaboration with the National Head Start Agency (NHSA) — has created a pathway that integrates the BA in ECE degree requirements with General Education (GE) requirements to provide a more efficient and engaging path to an early childhood education degree. Pathway certificates have themes: “Building Bridges,” “Advocate, Connect, Engage,” and “Moving Up.” Each focuses on specific content paired with GE courses to provide a more meaningful student experience.
Early childhood education certificates consist of eight courses and are usually completed in eight months. NHSA students with the CDA Credential will be eligible for credit for the following courses: ECE 201, ECE 210, and HED 220 (on the “Building Bridges” certificate). There may be other opportunities for prior learning credit in the “Moving Up” certificate.
National Head Start Agency (NHSA) students may ONLY participate in a certificate pathway to the BA ECE. See the “Certificate” section of the catalog for more detailed information.
Note: NHSA students with the CDA Credential will be eligible for credit for the following lower-division preparation-for-the-major courses: ECE 201, ECE 210, and HED 220.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Requirements for the Certificate
- 8 courses; 37.5 quarter units
Course Name
Prerequisite: ECE 330
Focus on identification, design and delivery of developmentally age appropriate experiences that encourage active math, science and technology inquiry. Inquiry related to emerging notions of mathematical and scientific processes is basis for activities along with the inclusion of technology as a strategy.
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B
A study of the real number system and its subsystems, ancient and modern numeration systems, problem-solving and simple number theory. Includes teaching materials and discussion of today’s professional organizations. This is a content course, not a methods course.
Introduction to the scientific method and the basic principles of the life sciences. Examination of cellular, organismal, population, and community biology based on the unifying concept of evolution. This course may not be taken for credit if BIO161 and/or BIO162, or their equivalents, have been completed.
Prerequisite: BIO 100 for non-science majors (GE), or BIO 163 for science majors
Study of the unifying principles of life with emphasis placed on the following topics: molecular biology of the cell and cellular processes, including energy metabolism, membrane transport and cell division; classical and population genetics; as well as the mechanism of evolution and the evolutionary basis of species classification. Emphasis on the scientific method as applied in laboratory sciences, using demonstrations, experiments, and/or field trips. May include inquiry-based research activities.
Designed to assist individuals to establish health behaviors for optimal physical, emotional, and sexual health and maintain a healthy environment.
Focus on enriching and enhancing young children’s learning through the creative arts. Emphasis on integrating creative experiences within core subjects to create developmentally appropriate experiences.
Prerequisite: ENG 102
An exploration of musical traditions and techniques in a variety of cultures, including Japan, India, Native America, South America, and Africa. Broadens students’ cultural understanding of music.
An introduction to theater as a dramatic medium, focusing on performance and production skills in a variety of genres and contexts.
Fundamentals of visual arts presented through drawing and other media. Students develop their own creative vision while learning aesthetic values and concepts, as well as how to handle materials. Students supply basic art materials.
Degree Requirements
- 8 courses; 4.5 credits per course and a lab; 1.5 credits
- Total: 37.5 Credits
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas and resources for early childhood education
- Develop oral, written, and technological skills for communicating with families and very young children
- Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for young children
- Use systematic observations, documentation, and other assessment strategies — in partnership with families and professionals — to positively influence children’s development and learning
- Implement a curriculum that promotes development and learning outcomes for diverse young children
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood education
- Foster positive relationships and supportive interactions with young children
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