Degree Plans & Courses

Undergraduate studies programs in the Department of Early Education

The department offers two bachelor's degree programs in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education.

Early Childhood education

This major grants the graduate a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education as a major, in addition to studying a set of courses related to teaching children with special needs. The program prepares teachers specialized in teaching children, and provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop the various aspects of child development. It also provides students with observational skills and the use of evaluation tools in evaluating children's growth and development, and equipping them with the necessary skills to design appropriate learning environments for child. The program also provides students with the skills and teaching methods required for working with children with special needs.

The number of credit hours for the different specializations in the program is 126 credit hours distributed over eight semesters, in addition to two semesters within the foundation program. In addition, teaching and learning is carried out on a regular, full-time basis.

Degree Plans for Early Childhood Education:

Primary Education

The Primary Education Program seeks to keep pace with the requirements of the future of education in the Sultanate, which were drawn up by Sultan Qaboos University in its strategic plan, in line with international standards in teacher preparation. The program aims to provide teaching competencies qualified to work in teaching at the primary stage of basic education in the Sultanate, including the first cycle of basic education, and to prepare distinguished educational cadres capable of improving teaching, technical supervision, and educational research in accordance with the standards of teacher preparation and educational development witnessed by the Sultanate. Included in this program currently are two majors: Arabic - Islamic - Social Studies (Track One) and Primary Science and mathematics(Track two).

The number of credit hours for the different specializations in the program is 126 credit hours distributed over eight semesters, in addition to two semesters within the foundation program. In addition, teaching and learning is carried out on a regular, full-time basis.

Degree Plan for Primary Education Cohort 2022 and beyond:

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

Child's Upbringing, Health and Safety(U.E.): ECED1020

The course aims at introducing the psychological, health and security aspects related to child upbringing and the different factors the affect these three aspects. In addition, the course aims at identifying children's nutritional needs from birth and throughout the different developmental stages, and addressing the balance of food constituents that a child should receive such as carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins and minerals. The course will also presents the different ways foods can be served to children and the possible sources of contaminations to food and how these can be prevented. Another important topic regarding children health is immunizations, their importance and schedules in the child's different development stages. Besides, the course aims at identifying safety measures that should be taken to prevent potential accidents a child can face inside or outside home. One additional topic this course aims at addressing is child mistreatments such as negligence, violence and physical and psychological abuse.

Theories and Applications in Early Childhood Education: ECED1030

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

Special Needs Children: ECED1050

An introductory course for the development of understanding of various disabilities and exceptionalities which can be identified in young children. Defining characteristics of the disabilities, overview of societal views, social programs, and sources of information about special needs children.

Infant Toddle Development and Care (1): ECED1060

This course encompases the development of the infant toddlers from conception through the third years and halve.The course will capitalize on development appropriat practices serving the above age groups in their family and group setting based on effective teaching approaches.

Child Health and Physical Development: ECED2010

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.

Teaching Arabic to Children: ECED2015

This course aims to identify the concepts of reading and writing,learns about the nature of the linguistic growth of the primary school students.It also aims to study the characteristics of Arabic writing,its types(writing,spelling and written expression),and create a clear idea about the stages of literacy learning.Furthermore,it aims to study the main skills and processes of reading and writing which are sutible for primary school students.Moteover,it focuses on the modern teaching strategies and new techniques which related to these aspects.It also studies the teacher's role in promoting and encouraging these skills among these students.

Experiences with the Young Child (1): ECED2020

This course will include five hours weekly of laboratory experiences with children. The experience will provide the opportunity for practical application of the prerequisite courses ECHD 1030, ECED2150

Assessment and Evaluation of the Young Child: ECED2030

Procedures and practices used in the assessment and evaliation of young children from birth thrrough age six, incliding observing and documenting children's skills and progrress pre_req ECED 2150

Families and the Special Needs Child: ECED2040

A study of the issues challenges and effects on families with special needs children. The relationship of family care and social programs and how to work with the family unit to provide support services. Prerequisite for this course is ECED1050.

Development of Curriculum for the Whole Child: ECED2060

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 curricula. The integration of all aspects of development cognitive, language, affective and physical, into curricular plans is emphasized. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2150.

The Learning Environment: ECED2080

This course will address the importance of the environment in the classroom setting includes selection of age, appropriate equipment and materials, room arrangement, and on going 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.

Development of Language and Literacy: ECED2100

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.

Observation and Assessment of the Special Needs Child: ECED2110

Adaptations of observation techniques for the unique needs of special child. Basic assessment methods for identifying the current skill levels, planning steps for ways to enhance development and means of documenting progress of the special needs child. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 1050 AND EDED2030.

Observation and Assessment of the Special Needs Child: ECED2110

Adaptations of observation techniques for the unique needs of special child. Basic assessment methods for identifying the current skill levels, planning steps for ways to enhance development and means of documenting progress of the special needs child. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 1050 AND EDED2030.

Observation and Assessment of the Special Needs Child: ECED2110

This course focuses on adjusting of observation techniques for the unique needs of special child. Basic assessment methods for identifying the current skill levels, planning steps for ways to enhance development and means of documenting progress of the special needs child. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 1050.

Observation and Assessment of the Special Needs Child: ECED2110

This course focuses on adjusting of observation techniques for the unique needs of special child. Basic assessment methods for identifying the current skill levels, planning steps for ways to enhance development and means of documenting progress of the special needs child. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 1050.

Early Childhood Literature: ECED2120

This course tackles various types of early childhood literature including stories, drama, rhymes, and chanting, as well as the criteria of choosing developmentally appropriate literature for young children. It also covers the skill of analyzing the arts of early childhood literature and their teaching methods and training on how to write for children and how to prepare different stories and their storytelling. It tackles also the importance of books in children's lives and what make books more appropriate for children. It also focuses on the role of literature in the development of children language skills, their altitudes and values as well as the various aspects of the children development.

Toddler Development and Care (2): ECED2150

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. Pre. Prerequisite for htis course is ECED1060.

Aesthetic Development: ECED2170

This course is designed to introduce teachers to the role of the creative or expressive arts (Visual arts, drama, music and movement) in the overall educational development of young children. Emphasis is on hands-on experience with reference to early childhood/primary level arts education theory and practice.

Aesthetic Development: ECED2170

This course is designed to introduce teachers to the role of the creative or expressive arts (Visual arts, drama, music and movement) in the overall educational development of young children. Emphasis is on hands-on experience with reference to early childhood/primary level arts education theory and practice.

Aesthetic Development: ECED2170

This course is designed to introduce teachers to the role of the creative or expressive arts (Visual arts, drama, music and movement) in the overall educational development of young children. Emphasis on hands- on experience with reference to early childhood/primary level arts education theory and practice.

Aesthetic Development: ECED2170

This course is designed to introduce teachers to the role of the creative or expressive arts (Visual arts, drama, music and movement) in the overall educational development of young children. Emphasis on hands- on experience with reference to early childhood/primary level arts education theory and practice.

Child Guidance in the Educational Environment: ECED2190

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

Creative Drama in the Classroom: ECED3010

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.

Enhancing the Development of the Special Needs Child: ECED3020

This course will include the study of teaching techniques, therapeutic support and ways of interacting with the special needs, which can optimize educational and developmental progress.

Language Acquisition: ECED3030

An in-depth study of the development of speech, the means of identifying specific speech problems and ways in whish teachers can help children with language and speech dysfunction. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2150.

Development of Scientific and Mathmatical Concepts and Skills: ECED3050

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. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2060.

Methods of Teaching Early Education 1: ECED3055

This course deals with the teaching skills required for the Early Childhood teacher when teach-ing young children whether using Arabic or English languages. The students will be introduced to strategies that develop their understanding of the different teaching methodologies used with young children in the areas of: selecting and evaluating prepared materials to address the children's learning differences and needs; and creating learning environments that foster crea-tivity and intellectual inquiry. Student will observe the teaching processes in the field. This course also includes 10 hours of observation and practical experiences to apply the gained knowledge from the prerequisite courses(2150,1030).

Expressive Arts: ECED3060

A study of the influence arts in developing curiosity and thinking skills in young child. Ways of developing creative and self-expression through the arts, including visual arts music, and creative movement. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2170, and ECED 2060.

Experiences with the Young Child (2): ECED3070

This course will include four hours weekly of laboratory experiences with children. This experiences will provide the opportunity for practical application of the course: ECED 2020.

Experiences with the Young Child (2): ECED3070

This course will include four hours weekly of laboratory experiences with children. This experiences will provide the opportunity for practical application of the course: ECED 2020.

Experiences with the Young Child (2): ECED3070

This course focuses on enabling students to acquire and apply teaching methods of different subjects, including; Arabic, Islamic education, social studies, science and mathematics. This ourse provids students with the knowledge, skills, and values related to teaching through introducing them to modern theories in language learning, the characteristics of an effective teacher, and modren teaching methods and strategies. Students also acquire the skills of linking theory to practice through the practice of planning, teaching and evaluation skills in a manner appropriate to the developmental characteristics of children, which are translated into practical application through micro-teaching, application within the classes of the child care center and professional practices in schools. This course includes 10 hours peof practical work in the classroom per week. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2020.

Experiences with the Young Child (2): ECED3070

This course focuses on enabling students to acquire and apply teaching methods of different subjects, including; Arabic, Islamic education, social studies, science and mathematics. This ourse provids students with the knowledge, skills, and values related to teaching through introducing them to modern theories in language learning, the characteristics of an effective teacher, and modren teaching methods and strategies. Students also acquire the skills of linking theory to practice through the practice of planning, teaching and evaluation skills in a manner appropriate to the developmental characteristics of children, which are translated into practical application through micro-teaching, application within the classes of the child care center and professional practices in schools. This course includes 10 hours peof practical work in the classroom per week. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2020.

Adapting the Curriculum for the Special Needs Child: ECED3080

An overview of the design of approaches, including the classroom setting, curriculum content and activities, which can best meet the needs of the special child. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 2060.

Action Research in the Educational Environment: ECED3090

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.

Action Research in the Educational Environment: ECED3090

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.

Action Research in the Educational Environment: ECED3090

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.

Action Research in the Educational Environment: ECED3090

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.

Interpretation of Research: ECED3100

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.

Interpretation of Research: ECED3100

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.

Interpretation of Research: ECED3100

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.

Interpretation of Research: ECED3100

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.

Curriculum Development in Early Education: ECED3105

This course aims at preparing the students to design and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula for children birth through age 8. 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. The course also help the students in planning IEP & IFSP with families to participate in the learning process of their child with special needs.

Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities: ECED3180

This course tackles definitions of intervention, its importance, objectives, and strategies. It focuses on health, educational, psychological, and social feasibility of early intervention and their implications on disabled child, family, and community. Moreover, this course tackles the characteristics of early intervention staff, early intervention programs, and early interventions centers across developed and developing countries, drawing lessons for development of sustainable intervention programs in Sultanate of Oman. It also focuses on methods of early identification for children at risk from birth to age eight, in the health and education sector.

Play in Early Childhood Stage: ECED3190

This course tackles definitions of play and its importance in the lives of young children from birth to age eight. This course covers the characteristics of play, its objectives, its theories, what motivates children to play, the different kinds of play, how children's play progresses as children develop, and how play affects the various domains of children's development. It also focuses on the physical and psychological components of developmentally appropriate play environment, how to select toys and play materials, and how to interact with children to facilitate their learning through play.

Design Instruction Software and Games for Children: ECED3402

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.

Professional Practice in Early Eduction I: ECED3435

This course aims to introduce the students to instructional strategies appropriate to educating young children. Under guided supervision, students will make use of practical classroom expe-riences to make valuable integration between theory and practice, develop professional behav-iors, and understand how to support children and families coming from different cultures. In addition, students will learn how to conduct self-assessment and peer assessment. This course will include 10 hours weekly of practical experiences with the children.

Parent Education: ECED4010

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. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 3070.

Fieldwork with Special Needs Child: ECED4020

Application of the study of the special needs children through direct experience on an on-going basis with special needs children in a group or family setting. Fieldwork requirements include record keeping, planning families and support personnel. Prerequisite for this course is ECED 3020.

Fieldwork with Infants and Toddders (1): ECED4030

Practical application of teaching theories in early childhood education programs through participation in a teaching and caring situation with infants and toddlers. The practicum Focuses on planning implementation an evaluation of learning experiences. Prerequisite for this course is ECHD 3070, CUTM 3080.

Child Rights: ECED4040

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.

Professional Development: ECED4050

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.

Professional Development: ECED4050

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.

Professional Development: ECED4050

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.

Professional Development: ECED4050

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.

Methods of Teaching Early Education 2: ECED4055

This course deals with the teaching skills required for the Early Childhood teachers and train-ing them in the mini-teaching laboratories to prepare the student before the fieldwork through observing and applying the teaching processes. This course is intended to review curriculum development principles and practices as well as assessment method when teaching both lan-guages, Arabic and English. Also emphasis on the need for the construction of appropriate learning environment that suit the children's needs. This course will include ten hours weekly of observation and laboratory experiences with children.

Fieldwork with Pre-schoolers (2): ECED4070

Practical application of teaching theories in early childhood education programs through participation in a teaching and caring situation with pre-school children ages 3 to 6. Focuses on the planning implementation an evaluation of learning experiences. Prerequisite for this course is ECHD 3070, ECHD 3050, ECHD 3060.

Creating Materials for Use by Young Children: ECED4080

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

Adminstrating and Supervising Child Institutions: ECED4106

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.

Adminstrating and Supervising Child Institutions: ECED4106

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.

Adminstrating and Supervising Child Institutions: ECED4106

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.

Adminstrating and Supervising Child Institutions: ECED4106

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.

Practicum: ECED4130