Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences. Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on the study of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, language, and aesthetic development in young children and methods employed in an early childhood program that best support children's learning and development through appropriate expectations, activities, and materials. Students are expected to make connections between theory and classroom practice. Beyond the requirement for students to display thorough knowledge of this topic via a broad array of short questions, students must display an ability to present ideas in an organized, creative and sophisticated manner through two short essay responses and one extensive essay. Topics include: developmentally appropriate practices, classroom management and guidance, parent involvement, the early childhood curriculum, and adapting instruction for learners with diverse needs; and approaches to learning that include Behaviorist, Maturationist, Constructivist, Brain-based Learning, and the Project Approach. 

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences. Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on the basic premise that systematically integrated phonics instruction is a fundamental component of effective reading programs but also highlights the role of authentic reading and writing activities and the role of children's literature. The examination requires students to link theory to classroom practice for both preschool and elementary school learners and to display their knowledge via a broad array of questions. Beyond the expectation that students will have a thorough and sophisticated knowledge of literacy, they must display an ability to present ideas in an organized, creative and well supported fashion and to consider a variety of issues in a mature and sophisticated manner through three short essays as well as one extensive essay. Topics include: emergent literacy, balanced literacy, methods of organizing literature-based reading programs, strategies for supporting writing, and facilitating second language learning. Studies apply general instructional strategies and strategies for adapting instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences. Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on current approaches to using play in classroom and explores ways in which play can be supported by teachers. Students are expected to make connections between theory and classroom practice. Beyond the expectation that students will have thorough knowledge of this topic which must be displayed via a broad range of questions, they must present ideas in an organized and sophisticated manner through two short essay responses and one extensive essay. Topics include: the physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of infants and toddlers, family education and involvement, and curriculum planning for the infant and toddler program. Topics include: the physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of infants and toddlers, family education and involvement, and curriculum planning for the infant and toddler program.