Early Childhood Education
  • Overview
  • Programs
  • Courses
  • Degree Plans

The Department was established in 2006 to offer the Early Childhood Education program as an example in the region and to gain international recognition as it was designed in accordance with standards and principles developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.


Vision:

To prepare distinguished graduates in the field of early childhood from birth to six years of age in accordance with international standards.


Mission:

The Early Childhood Education department strives to prepare distinguished graduates in developing childhood care  programs and providing family and social services to meet the needs of all children groups in various growth aspects. The Department also seeks to achieve excellence in the Child Care Centre, locally and regionally.


Department objectives:

  • To develop a professional philosophy based on theory and research of child development and theories of instruction.
  • To provide competency in skills of observation and the use of appropriate assessment tools and documentation techniques in evaluating the child's growth and development.
  • To motivate and help children to develop in all domains (cognitive, social, emotional, physical, environmental, etc.) and become independent learners who construct meaningful information from the world around them.
  • To help students grow professionally in designing and implementing activities suitable for the development of children in all curricular areas.
  • To develop competency in designing an appropriate environment for young children, in selecting suitable equipment, and in designing appropriate materials.
  • To help children work harmoniously and effectively with adults, including parents, staff, and other professionals.
  • To foster competency in enhancing the development and education of children with special needs.
  • To conduct research that contributes to the development and enhancement of early childhood domains and involved staff.
  • To provide opportunities for continuing education for all parties such as teachers, parents, and graduates of early childhood education program.

Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education

This programme prepares ECE teachers and equips them with the necessary skills to provide the care that a child need in various aspects, and be able to utilize observation skills and evaluation instruments in assessing the child’s development. The programme further trains teachers professionally in designing and employing appropriate activities to develop the child at all professional levels and design a suitable environment for children. In addition, this programme facilitates contact with parents, as well as improves the education of children with special needs.

 

The programme provides students with the main methods utilized to create a motivating educational environment that encourages the child to be interested in the educational process through communication and cooperation with others and using the appropriate materials and tools. In addition, the Child Care Centre, which is considered a complete research environment, provides the graduates with additional opportunities to conduct field research and improve their observation and investigation skills.     

 

To be registered in the ECE major, students should get a minimum grade of ‘C’ in the following subjects: Basic Arabic language, Basic English Language and Islamic culture. The students will then be interviewed to ensure their desire to study the major and other teaching-related personal aspects.

 

Students enrolled in this program must complete (125) credit hours distributed as follows:

  • University requirements:         12 credit hours
  • Major requirements:                83 credit hours
  • Sub-Major requirements:         21 credit hours
  • Major electives:                        9 credit hours 

The department offers a range of courses. Below is a description of each course:

 

ECED 1030 3cr.  Theories and Applications in Early Childhood Education.  (3hrs.Lecture)

An overview of the major theories and study of various philosophies and approaches in early childhood education, including Islamic View, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Head Start, etc. The focus will be on how the theories are transformed into actual classroom practices.


ECED 1050 3cr. Special Needs Children. (3hrs.Lecture)

This course aims at introducing the various disabilities that can be found in children, and offers definitions of the characteristics. Also, an overview of the society’s perception of individuals with disabilities, and identification of special education programs and services in Oman are covered. Sources for obtaining information about children with special needs are also identified.


ECED 1060 3cr. Child Development and Care I. (3hrs.Lecture)

This course encompasses the development of infant toddlers from conception through the three years and half. The course will capitalize on development appropriate practices serving the above age in their family and settings based on research on effective teaching approaches for this age group.


ECED2020 3cr. Experiences with the Young Child I. (5hrs.Lecture)

This course will include five hours weekly of laboratory experiences with children.  This experience will provide the opportunity for practical application of the courses ECE 2010, ECE 2030, ECE 2040 and ECE 2150..


ECED 2030 3cr. Assessment and Evaluation of the Young Child. (4hrs.Lecture)

Procedures and practices used in the assessment and evaluation of young children from birth through age8, including observing and documenting children’s skills and progress.


ECED 2040 3cr. Families and the Special Needs Child. (3hrs.Lecture)

This course aims at studying the issues and challenges that affect families with children with special needs. Also, the relationship of family care and the state provided early intervention programs and how to work with the family unit to provide support and services are covered.


ECED 2060 3cr Development of Curriculum for the Whole Child (3hrs.Lecture)

Designing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curricula for children birth through age 6. The course  includes developing plans for the short term (day, week) or long term (unit, school year), determining curriculum objectives, and planning for theme based curricula.  The integration of all aspects of development, cognitive, language, affective and physical, into curricular plans is emphasized.


ECED 2170 3cr. Aesthetic Development (3hrs.Lecture)

Designed to heighten awareness and appreciation of two and three-dimensional art. This course will serve as background and inspiration for the incorporation of the arts into early childhood education.


ECED 2080 3cr. The Learning Environment. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course will address the importance of the environment in the classroom setting includes selection of age, appropriate equipment and materials, room arrangement, and ongoing  analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of the classroom environment. Utilization of teacher made materials, multiple uses of equipment, and importance of aesthetic atmosphere will be included.


ECED 2100 3cr. Development of Language and Literacy. (3hrs. Lecture)

Exploring of the determinants of the development of language and literacy in the young child. Current theories, research and practices for extending children's language and pre-reading skills.


ECED 2110 3cr. Observation and Assessment of the Special Needs Child. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course aims at identifying the appropriate observation techniques that match the different disabilities. Also, included is the use of basic assessment methods for identifying the current skills and developmental levels of children with special needs from birth through age eight. In addition, the course concentrates on the different stages of planning to enhance development, and offers means of documenting progress.


ECED 2150 3cr. Child Development and Care – II. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course will focus on developmentally appropriate practices serving children 3 1/2 to 6 years of age in the family and group settings, based on research on effective teaching approaches for this age group.


ECED 2190 3cr. Child Guidance in the Educational Environment. (3hrs. Lecture)

Appropriate ways of interacting with young children and creating a positive classroom environment. Guiding the affective development of the child including self-esteem, self-control, and positive qualities, attitudes and behaviors


ECED 3020 3cr. Enhancing the Development of the Special Needs Child. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course aims at introducing the different teaching techniques and therapeutic support (audio, visual and motor) needed for enhancing children with special needs' overall development. Also, the course offers ways of interacting with children with special needs, which can optimize educational and developmental progress. Basically, the course concentrates on individual and small group teaching methods used with children with special needs from birth through age eight.


ECED 3030 3cr. Language Acquisition. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course aims at providing an in-depth study of the development of speech and language, targeting the identification of specific speech and language problems.  The course offers ways in which teachers can help children by correcting their language and speech dysfunction.  The course covers all speech problems from the first year of life through age eight.


ECED 3050 3cr. Development of Scientific and Mathematical concepts and skills. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course focuses on the methods for teaching and development of activities in math and science for the early childhood classroom. Child centered learning environments and hands on materials are emphasized.


ECED 3060 3cr.  Expressive Arts. (3hrs. Lecture)

A study of the influence of creative arts in developing curiosity and thinking skills in your children.  Ways of developing creativity and self expression through the arts, including visual arts, music, and creative movement.


ECED 3070 3cr. Experiences with the Young Child - II (5hrs. Lecture)

This course will include five hours weekly of laboratory experiences with children.  This experience will provide the opportunity for practical application of the courses ECED 3050, ECED 3060, ECED 3080 .


ECED 3080 3cr. Adapting the Curriculum for the Special Needs Child. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course offers an overview of the design of curriculum, and the appropriate educational remedial methods for the kindergarten, first and second grade children with special needs. It includes the design of classroom setting, curriculum content, and activities, which can best meet the needs of children with special needs.


ECED 3107 3cr. Technology in the Educational Environment. (3hrs. Lecture)

Study of the use and misuse of technology in early childhood education environments.  Topics will include the ways in which technology can be utilized in a developmentally appropriate classroom, selection of appropriate educational software, and a review of current research related to technology in the educational environment.


ECED 4010 3cr. Parent Education.  (3hrs. Lecture)

Ways in which early childhood teachers can help parents to deal with the challenges and joys of parenthood. Considered will be ways of interacting with parents individually and in groups. Emphasis will be on ways to share useful information and ideas, which the parents can implement in the home setting.


ECED 4020 3cr. Fieldwork with Special Needs Child. (6hrs. Field)

This course offers studying children with special needs through direct practical experience on an on-going basis in special education programs such as programs for hearing and vision impairments, early intervention centers, and in family settings. The field work requirements include record keeping, planning and evaluating activities for children with special needs, and communication with their families.  Support systems are also covered


ECED 4050 3cr. Professional Development. (3hrs. Lecture)

Each student will develop an individual portfolio, which chronicles her professional development during the teacher-training program. The portfolio entries will begin with the student's enrollment in the early childhood education. Students will add to the portfolio each semester. During this course, the student will complete and present the portfolio for faculty review.


ECED 4106 3cr. Administrating and supervising Child Institutions. (3hrs. Lectures)

Study of recommended standards, laws, and policies relevant to establishing early childhood centers in Oman.  Selection of facilities and equipment, recruitment of personnel and children, and management of the setting, including record keeping and staff and parent relationships.


ECED 4170 9cr. Fieldwork with Children. (18hrs. Lecture)

Practical application of teaching theories in early childhood education programs through participation in a teaching and caring situation with young children. Focuses on the planning implementation an evaluation of learning experiences.


ECED 2008 3cr Family, School and Community. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course aims to introduce students to the complex relationship between family, school, culture, and society and their impact on child-rearing, upbringing through looking to education as a social process in its functions. The course aimed to analyze at the effect of the community on  shaping the human personality and identity through the family in line with the demands of developmental stages and refine the experience and knowledge. The course aims also to raise the awareness of community demand and its relationship to the family role in the educational development of the individual to be able to take full responsibility in his community.


ECED 2010 3cr. Child Health and Physical Development. (3hrs. Lecture)

Study of the ways in which to optimize the health of the young child, including the nutritional needs from infancy through childhood and the preparation of nutritious meals and snacks in the childcare setting. Exploration of the special role of motor development and its relationship to learning and overall development of the child. The teacher's role in furthering physical development through play and the importance of beginning lifelong fitness during childhood will be addressed.


ECED 3010 3cr. Creative Drama in the Classroom. (3hrs. Lecture)

The aim of the course is to provide future students with active exploration of basic techniques in creative storytelling and drama, including mime, improvisation, role play and play production. Individual and group practical work will be emphasized.


ECED 3090 3cr. Action Research in the Educational Environment. (3hrs. Lecture)

Conducting formal and informal research within the classroom setting broadens a teacher's knowledge about the children and the learning, which is taking place. Students will conduct research within a classroom setting and use the results to evaluate their own teaching skills and the achievement gains of the children. The course will focus on ways in which teachers can continue the do action research throughout their teaching careers, and how to utilize the findings


ECED 3100 3cr. Interpretation of Research. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course will enable students to understand and interpret the findings from research-based literature. The course emphasis will be on how educators can apply the latest knowledge about the development of children, the teaching- learning process, new knowledge about technology in education, and the other topics relevant to early childhood education.


ECED 3402 3cr. Design Instructional Software and Games for Children. (3hrs. Lecture)

The aim of this course is to introduce basic computer, multimedia and Internet applications in early childhood. It covers using authoring languages to create educational software and games for children. It also presents an understanding of educational software design principles for early childhood.  It combines learning and teaching theories with the authoring languages; and evaluates commercial made educational software for early childhood.


ECED 4040 3cr. Child Rights. (3hrs. Lecture)

The Child Rights course addressed to the students of the Early Childhood Department will concentrate on the core concepts and general principles of child rights that stem from understating the diversity of childhood, child development and life stages of children from an evolving capacity approach. In addition, it will establish the understanding of a child rights-based socialization process, involving children, parents, teachers, school management and the society as a whole.


ECED 4080 3cr. Creating Materials For Use by Young Children. (3hrs. Lecture)

This course will review the learning theories and instructional methodologies of using manipulates with young children that have been introduced in other subject specific courses.  Manipulative materials help young learners with concept formation, growth of thinking skills, and small muscle development.  During the ‘make and take’ sessions, participants will construct work jobs, games, matching and sequencing boards, graphic organizer, comparison charts, and concept displays.  Materials will be systematical planned and economically designed with the aim of creating enduring learning tasks.

The Department  of Early Childhood Education runs the following degree plans: