ECE 1203 Guiding Children's Behaviour (2-2-3)

This course explores the concept of guidance and discipline for children from birth to eight years of age. It introduces common influences on behavior and the social and emotional development of young learners. Students examine behaviors, triggers, and management of common misbehaviors while understanding the importance of early intervention. The course presents principles and strategies that enable students to work effectively with all children, support families of those with conduct issues, and design and implement thoughtful behavior management plans in early learning settings.

ECE 1213 Infant & Toddler Growth, Development and Care (2-2-3)

This course examines respectful, responsive, and reciprocal interactions between teachers and infants or toddlers. Guided by the “Ten Principles” of respectful caregiving, it emphasizes applying inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices that foster secure attachments, well-being, and positive environments. Students explore strategies supporting language, sensory, cognitive, and physical growth and design engaging activities for infants and toddlers. Through practical application, the course develops skills for nurturing culturally sensitive and individualized early childhood care.

ECE 2123 Fundamentals of Mathematics and Science in Early Childhood (2-2-3)

This course develops students’ understanding of how young children acquire and apply foundational mathematical and scientific concepts through inquiry-based and play-based learning. It examines strategies for fostering curiosity, observation, and experimentation in early learners. Students explore pedagogical approaches and tools for integrating Mathematics and Science within early childhood curricula, using both formal and informal learning experiences to design meaningful, developmentally appropriate activities that promote conceptual understanding and hands-on discovery.

Prerequisites: LSM 1003 or LSM 1113 or EDU 1123

ECE 2203 Learning through the Creative Arts (2-2-3)

This course explores the role of creative arts in fostering imagination, expression, and holistic development in early childhood education. Students identify effective methodologies for integrating visual and performing arts in diverse settings. Through hands-on experiences, they demonstrate various art techniques, evaluate strategies for documenting children’s creative progress, and design instructional plans that embed artistic elements across the curriculum. The course promotes creativity, cultural appreciation, and the development of innovative teaching practices for young learners.

ECE 2223 Arabic Language, Literacy and Cognition through Story-telling (2-2-3)

This course examines the cognitive and linguistic foundations of language acquisition and bilingualism in early childhood. It highlights the importance of oral language and storytelling in developing children’s communication and metacognitive skills. Students explore the relationship between first and second language development, applying key cognitive theories to analyze how storytelling, particularly through Emirati folk tales, supports cultural identity, linguistic growth, imagination, and critical thinking in early learners across diverse learning contexts.

Prerequisites: EDU 1713

ECE 2413 Computational Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for ECE (2-2-3)

This course integrates computational thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship in early childhood education. Students explore entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation clusters to understand how creative ideas evolve into meaningful educational solutions. Using computational tools such as coding, simulations, and digital design, they apply entrepreneurial thinking to address real-world challenges. Through project-based learning, students analyze strategies, develop innovative solutions, and design startup ideas that enhance teaching, learning, and community engagement locally and globally.

ECE 2503 Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Early Childhood Curriculum (2-2-3)

This course examines key philosophies and approaches in Early Childhood Education and their influence on curriculum design, planning, and classroom practice. It explores visible and invisible aspects of curriculum that shape children’s learning experiences and developmental outcomes. Emphasis is placed on integrating stages and types of play to foster creativity, inquiry, collaboration, and holistic growth. Students evaluate challenges in implementing Early Childhood curricula and apply reflective, innovative, and research-informed strategies to enhance teaching and learning.

Prerequisites: EDU 1503

ECE 3003 Literacies in Early Childhood (2-2-3)

This course examines knowledge and skills to promote early literacy development. Develops competency in the components of emergent literacy, including oral language development, phonological and phonemic awareness. Analyzes various reading approaches that assist young learners with their fluency development and decoding skills. Outlines planning and implementation strategies used in teaching young children to write, read, listen and speak. Provides opportunities to evaluate and analyze the importance of using formal and informal assessments for the evaluation of literacy development.

ECE 3103 Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education (2-2-3)

This course develops students’ understanding of the concepts, terminologies, and philosophies of inclusion for learners with diverse needs, including physical, intellectual, psychological, and behavioral challenges. It examines developmental milestones and learning characteristics of People of Determination in Early Childhood. The course also explores UAE laws, policies, and Ministry of Education initiatives that promote inclusive practices, programs, and services, preparing students to apply inclusive strategies in alignment with national and global early childhood frameworks.

ECE 3203 Learning through Literature (2-2-3)

Students will examine how early childhood texts from a range of genres can be used to develop learning across the curriculum. Criteria used to select texts for appropriate teaching and learning purposes will be applied. The course builds on students’ knowledge of establishing print/literacy-rich environments with a range of texts for various purposes. Students will learn through class-based activities, projects and teaching activities and be be given opportunities to create themed children’s books that can be used in class for developing reading strategies and learning opportunities.

ECE 3213 Teaching Science in Early Childhood (2-2-3)

This course develops students’ understanding of science concepts, process skills, and inquiry-led practices in Early Childhood Education. It emphasizes developmentally appropriate, play-based, and culturally responsive approaches that foster curiosity and conceptual understanding in young learners. Students examine teaching strategies and design solutions to inquiry questions within a STREAM framework. Through applied, reflective learning, they develop competencies to address misconceptions, integrate scientific thinking, and create meaningful, inclusive science learning environments.

Prerequisites: ECE 2123

ECE 3403 Teaching Mathematics in Early Childhood Education (2-2-3)

Builds on previous learning about early mathematical skills and concepts. Identifies contemporary pedagogy and current practices in mathematics teaching in Early Childhood settings, with a particular emphasis on the provision of developmentally-appropriate, play-based learning experiences. Discusses common mathematics misconceptions in early childhood education and strategies for teachers to overcome them.

Prerequisites: ECE 2123

ECE 3503 Assessment in Early Childhood (2-2-3)

This course examines how assessment informs effective planning and teaching in early childhood education. Students explore the purposes, principles, and types of assessment, with a focus on observation and documentation to support children’s learning and development. Emphasis is placed on selecting and designing fair, reliable, and culturally responsive tools. Students apply assessment knowledge through authentic practicum tasks and use digital and AI-enhanced strategies to interpret evidence, make informed decisions, and reflect on professional practice in diverse early learning settings.

ECE 4703 Building Learning Communities in Early Childhood Education (3-1-3)

Emphasizes the importance of education in building and developing learning communities in Early Childhood Education. Identifies the roles of educators and parents and analyzes how they collaboratively support building learning communities. Examines the impact of education on overcoming different challenges being faced by stakeholders in order to develop learning communities.