17 courses with the subject ECE, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ECE 155INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION 3-0-3 This course is an introduction to the field of early childhood education, with focuses on professionalism and cultural competence. It provides an overview of the history, knowledge base, and mission of the ECE 2026-2027 Westmoreland County Community College Catalog profession in the United States and addresses the broader contexts and challenges impacting the field. The course emphasizes asset-based theories and funds of knowledge as a foundation for effective teaching and learning. Developmentally appropriate practice is introduced as central to professionalism and education. The course requires observations at an approved early childcare site. This course fulfills the prerequisite for ECE 166 and ECE 255.
The course provides an overview of infant and toddler development from birth through 48 months, as grounded in culturally responsive and sustaining practices. The course explores development related to physical growth, neurological and cognitive development, motor skills, language acquisition, social-emotional competencies. Culturally relevant approaches are emphasized, including inclusive environments, authentic family engagement, and play-based, experiential learning. The course explores the role of epigenetics and how access to resources impacts outcomes. The course covers infant and toddler mental health and a trauma-informed approach to support all learners. This course requires observations at a licensed child-care site. Corequisite(s) ECE 283
AND LITERACY 3-0-3 This course examines asset based theories of language and literacy development. Funds of knowledge are utilized as a base for centering children’s, families’, and communities’ language practices to support development. Strategies to promote speaking, listening, reading and writing are explored along with materials to foster language and literacy development for children birth to age 9, with an emphasis on the preschool years. The course explores incorporating literacy across learning experiences, settings, and content areas. This course requires observations at a licensed child-care site. This course fulfills a part of the prerequisite for ECE 284 Early Childhood Education Practicum. Prerequisite(s): ECE 155 (C or better).
This course provides an introduction to the planning, administration, and culturally responsive leadership of early childhood programs. Students will explore the importance of building and maintaining positive, inclusive interpersonal staff relationships; effective communication with diverse families and communities; culturally responsive program evaluations and assessments; and understanding and navigating regulations, standards, and budgets through a lens of equity and inclusion. The course will support students in embracing professionalism and Pennsylvania (PA) initiatives that promote equity and advocacy in early childhood education.
This course supports students as they develop an understanding of CDA Functional Areas 1-4. The content ensures students gain knowledge and practical skills essential for early childhood education. The course explores foundational topics to reinforce key concepts, fostering a deep connection between coursework and real-world application. The course supports students in building the resource collection items for CDA Functional Areas 1-4. Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose of each item, ensuring inclusivity, and integrating reflective practices to document the value of each resource. This course serves as a prerequisite for ECE177 CDA Portfolio 2.
This course supports students as they develop an understanding of CDA Functional Areas 5-9. The content ensures students gain knowledge and practical skills essential for early childhood education. The course explores foundational topics to reinforce key concepts, fostering a deep connection between coursework and real-world application. The course supports students in building the resource collection items for CDA Functional Areas 5-9. . Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose of each item, ensuring inclusivity, and integrating reflective practices to document the value of each resource. Through peer reviews, discussions, and assignments, students will gain confidence in preparing a professional portfolio that aligns with best practices in early childhood education. This course serves as a prerequisite to ECE178 CDA Portfolio III. Prerequisite(s): ECE 176
This course guides students as they develop an understanding of CDA Functional Areas 10-13 and guides them through the final stages of CDA portfolio preparation with a focus on cultural competence and professionalism. Reflection, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in early childhood practices are emphasized. The course ensures that students produce a well-rounded and comprehensive portfolio and are 2026-2027 Westmoreland County Community College Catalog prepared for the CDA verification visit and exam. The course focuses on verification visit preparation, including interview practice to build confidence and readiness. Through these steps, students prepare to showcase their knowledge and dedication to equity-driven, high-quality early childhood education in their professional CDA portfolios. Prerequisite(s): ECE 177
CURRICULUM 3-0-3 This course explores planning developmentally appropriate learning activities for children ages 3 to 9, with a focus on the preschool years. Play is emphasized as a central learning tool. Learners will observe classrooms for content area learning, then create and implement inclusive lessons using the PA Early Learning Standards, with a focus on developmentally appropriate practices and culturally responsive pedagogy. Emergent curriculum and commercial curriculum are compared for practicality and supporting learner development. Field experience at an approved childcare site is required. This course fulfills a part of the prerequisite for ECE 284 Early Childhood Education Practicum. Prerequisite(s): ECE 155 (C or better).
YOUNG CHILDREN 3-0-3 This course introduces the ways that assessment supports child development and program planning in early childcare settings for children from birth to 9 years. Assessment is discussed within the context of developmentally appropriate practice, curriculum planning, pedagogy, universal design, and program development and modification. Ethics of assessment, including confidentiality, communication with caregivers, cultural and linguistic appropriateness, and standardized assessment are explored. This course requires observations at a licensed childcare center.
DEVELOPMENT 3-0-3 This course examines the growth and development of exceptional persons, concentrating on the years from birth through early adulthood. The course addresses exceptionalities. Special attention is given to laws addressing special education as well as inclusion. Emphasis is placed on the important roles of the families and communities in special education. This course addresses disability as another form of diversity and equitable access to quality services to ensure all children thrive in their educational environment. This course requires observations at an approved educational institution.
SPECIAL NEEDS 3-0-3 This course provides an in-depth study of the education of young children with exceptionalities. The assessment, identification and appropriate education of young children with special needs are the focus with attention given to legal aspects and inclusion. Family-based practices and Division for Early Childhood recommended base practices for early intervention are addressed. Corequisite(s): ECE 257
This course offers an in-depth examination of the infant and toddler classroom that builds upon the content in ECE 156 Infant & Toddler Development. Special attention is placed on the physical safety and care of infants and toddlers, supporting growth and development across domains, developing authentic relationships with caregivers, and lesson design and implementation. Professional development is emphasized and the course requires the completion of 50 hours of field experience at an approved early childcare site. Prerequisite(s): Completed interest form, site agreement, and liability insurance. Students must verify the prerequisites with the program director to register for this course; Corequisite(s): ECE 156.
