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1401 Charlestown Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
info@vfcc.edu
1401 Charlestown Road | Phoenixville, PA 19460 | 610.935.0450
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003306
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The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare the student with foundational knowledge in Bible, Christian philosophy of education, foundations of early childhood education, methods of teaching, and other essentials designed to develop skills in early childhood education. Successful completion of the program will enable students to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Assistant Teacher Certification.
* Recommended elective courses:
For students seeking to pursue graduate education, most graduate programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for entrance.
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A practical introduction to the study of the Bible. The course provides an overview of fundamental issues of interpretation, inspiration, manuscripts, and translation. Emphasis is on basic approaches to Bible study and appropriate use of biblical reference tools. Only required for non-ministry majors.
This course stresses the writing process and introduces the skills necessary to conduct college-level research. Emphasis is placed on argumentative and analytical writing supported by research. A passing grade of C- or higher is required.
A panoramic view of the chief events, prominent characters, main themes and salient teachings of each New Testament book in relation to its historical, geographical and cultural contexts.
A study of the historical settings, literary features, authorship, theological teachings, and general content of the books of the Hebrew Bible. This survey provides a factual and practical groundwork for further studies in the Old Testament.
This course will examine and apply principles involved in the development of a worldview. The course will emphasize the development and application of a Christian worldview. Special emphasis will be given to critical, creative, and Christian thinking skills.
An introduction to the basic concepts of human behavior, motivation, emotion and personality, and a survey of the contemporary psychological field.
A practical study of the classic spiritual disciplines that are essential to lifelong spiritual formation from a Pentecostal perspective. The course will emphasize intentional and holistic applications in daily living.
This course provides an in-depth examination of technology used in the educational setting. Included are digital media applications, along with projected, non-projected and audio media. The integration of media into the lesson planning process is a crucial component of the course.
This course examines current philosophies in the field of Early Childhood Education, the tension created by opposing philosophies, and how adherence to these philosophies is translated into educational principles and practices. The relationship between play and learning will be explored. Integration of curriculum into the learning experience in a developmentally appropriate environment will be stressed.
These courses focus on developing an integrated curriculum based on the socio-emotional, sensorimotor, and cognitive skills of the 0-8 year-old child. Emphasis will be on providing an integrated, hands-on learning environment that parallels the maturation of the young child. Students will gain experience in lesson planning and practical use of curriculum materials. The courses will include classroom observations and field work. Prerequisites: ECE 123 and EDU 103.
This course is a study in guidance in the Early Childhood classroom. Issues and topics to be explored include organizing, arranging, and maintaining the physical and learning environment; discipline and classroom management strategies; encouraging self-esteem and teaching children to negotiate; and parent/teacher/administrator relationships. Basic techniques of observing, evaluating, and recording child behavior in an objective and anecdotal manner will be studied. Prerequisites: ECE 123 and EDU 103.
This is an exploratory course investigating language acquisition, learning theories, the reading process, and their relation to the teaching of reading. The relationship between language development and emergent literacy, language models, communication and listening competencies, and the effect of a print-rich environment will be emphasized. Study will include the teaching of reading and language skills to elementary school-aged children, with an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing development. Various approaches to teaching reading will be explored such as the use of phonics, basal readers, guided reading, balanced literacy, and reading workshop. Prerequisites: CMS 233, EDU 263, EDU 103.
This course examines the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the child from birth through the childhood years (0-12), including the study of how children learn and acquire knowledge. Special attention will be given to leading theories of development and their implications in the early childhood and elementary classrooms.
This course offers an exploration of the integration of the creative arts in an elementary school setting. Special emphasis will be given to the areas of art, music, and creative dramatics and on how to integrate skills and activities in these areas into the elementary curriculum. A hands-on, thematic approach will be explored and adaptations for teaching the exceptional child, including the gifted, will be included. Prerequisites: EDU 263 and FNA 113.
A survey of children’s literary classics. Students will learn to analyze and evaluate a wide range of children’s literature. In addition, the role of literature in children’s growth and development will be explored. Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497, and EDU 103 or PSY 283.
A study of learning processes with practical applications for classroom teaching. Topics include human development, the impact of culture and community on learning, learning theory, motivation, testing, and assessment. This course includes a practicum involving observations and interviews with persons working in educational settings.
Provides an overview of the basic characteristics and unique life and educational needs of individuals who have been determined to be exceptional in mental, physical, and/or emotional characteristics. Topics of study include but are not limited to: learning disabilities, mental impairment, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mental health disorders and multiple and severe disabilities. Emphasis is placed upon understanding differences from a biblical perspective. This class is open to all majors and is required for education majors.
A specialized study of developing and evaluating children’s ministries and resources as it pertains to specific programs such as Bible clubs, Kid’s Crusades, children’s church, music, drama, and other children’s activities.
A study of the philosophy for and pragmatics of contemporary usage of technology within children’s ministry. Exemplary examples of technology integration within the local children’s ministry setting will be explored and common software applications will be utilized to create technological tools to enhance ministry to children.
A practical course designed to give the student a working knowledge of the creative art of puppetry. Includes techniques for making and using puppets, puppet staging, writing puppet scripts, and administering a puppetry ministry. Students will be involved in puppet productions designed to reach children with biblical truth. Practical field experience will be required. $45 lab fee.
An in-depth study of the teaching-learning process with primary emphasis on creative, effective methods to develop quality teaching.
An overview of drama, music, puppetry, storytelling, and media concepts in children’s ministry. Practical emphasis is placed on choosing, preparing, and presenting content and concepts to children of various ages. Includes strategies for designing, producing and overseeing children’s productions. $20 lab fee.