Program philosophy:

 The predominant theoretical basis of the ECE specialization is constructivism, which is grounded in the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. We believe that children and teachers construct knowledge, alone and in collaboration, through interaction with the social and physical world. The issues of diversity and social justice that educators are faced with call for highly reflective and responsive teachers who have a deep understanding of development, curriculum and culture that is focused on the unique needs and issues of young children and their families.

Program overview and Admission:

Because of the diversity of the population being served, this program is designed to develop a deeper understanding of those aspects of early childhood education that are particular to each student's needs and interests, while also developing a broad understanding of the field of early childhood education. Admittance into the specialization is dependent upon completion of the Curriculum and Instruction application materials and admittance processes.

Program components:

This is a 45 credit degree. 30 credits are in core (required) courses. 15 credits are elective and designed between student and advisor based on student needs and advisor assessment.

Core classes (30 credits):
CI 581: Issues in Education (3 credits)
CI 580: Theories of Instruction (3 credits)
CI 570: Child Development and Education (3 credits)
CI 571: Play: Early Childhood Curriculum (3 credits)
CI 572: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
CI 573: Assessment in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
CI 576: Equity and Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
CI 558: Advanced Curriculum Design in K-Primary Grades (3 credits)
CI 560: Action Research (3 credits)
CI 501: Action Research Project (3 credits)

Early childhood education electives (15 or more credits):
CI 510: Young Child As Scientist (3 credits)
CI 510: Learning Designs in ECE (3 credits)
CI 509: Practicum in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
Special education courses to be determined
Counseling courses to be determined
Leadership in Ecology, Culture, Technology and Learning courses to be determined

Notes:
*Electives for the ECE program are not be limited to ECE courses and a list of recommended offerings will be provided each year based on the schedule.
*The program will evaluate students to assure that they have coursework and/or experience regarding Early Childhood Special Education prior to graduation.

Program Faculty:

• Christine Chaille, Ph.D.
  Position: Professor, Curriculum & Instruction Department Chair
  Phone: 503-725-4675 E-mail: chaillec@pdx.edu
  

• Will Parnell , Ed.D.

  Position: Pedagogical Director, Early Childhood Education Programs
  Asst. Professor & Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction Early Childhood Education Specialization
  Phone: 503-725-3091 E-mail: parnellw@pdx.edu

Contact Information:

Graduate School of Education Phone: (503) 725-4619
Curriculum and Instruction Office: (503 725-4756

Advising Schedule:
You may set up an appointment with Dr. Chaille or Dr. Parnell during office hours for advising (note: summer is very limited due to vacations) OR
open advising dates are listed below. Dates could change, check back for updates:
 

Summer 08:

July 10th 5-6 pm in the Helen Gordon Center Piazza 

Fall 08:

TBA