Early Childhood Education - Child Development Preschool Certificate

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students to secure one of the many careers available in early childhood education. Graduates of the program may work with children from birth to eight years of age in a variety of settings such as child care centers, preschools, child development homes, or public and private schools. Students may elect to complete either the Educator Licensure/Transfer Pathway or the Child Care Management Pathway of the Early Childhood Education AAS. Students who intend to teach in a Pre-K through third-grade setting will need to transfer to a teacher licensure institution. In addition, this program addresses the competencies and functional areas necessary for students to begin the assessment and testing process for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. See http://www.cdacouncil.org/storage/documents/TransitionGuide_1-3-13.pdf for additional CDA Credential requirements by the Council.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum Sequence
Fall Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-103	INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION	3
SDV-108	THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE	1
	Semester Total:	4
Spring Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-158	EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM I	3
ECE-133	CHILD HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION	3
ECE-170	CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT	3
	Semester Total:	9
Fall Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-243	EARLY CHILDHOOD GUIDANCE	3
	Semester Total:	3
	PROGRAM TOTAL:	16

Course Descriptions

ECE-103 - INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Lecture: 3		Credit: 3
This course is an overview of early childhood programs and curricula, historical and present, and an examination of qualities and skills necessary for working with young children.
SDV-108 - THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Lecture: 1		Credit: 1
This course is designed to empower new students to successfully transition to college. Students will learn academic success skills, strategies for personal development and exploration, college culture and expectations, and how to access college resources and services.
ECE-158 - EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM I
Lecture: 3		Credit: 3
This course focuses on the development, implementation, and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in a context of children's family, culture, language, and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions, and environments to support each child in the following areas: dramatic play, art, music, and fine and gross motor play.
ECE-133 - CHILD HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION
Lecture: 3		Credit: 3
This course focuses on evidence-based concepts in the fields of health, safety, and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. The course blends current theory with problem solving, practical applications, and assessments. The course includes collaboration with families and assesses the role of culture, language, and ability on health, safety, and nutrition decisions in early childhood settings.
ECE-170 - CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Lecture: 3		Credit: 3
This course reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Students will examine interactions between child, family, and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts. The course will explore theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting young children.
ECE-243 - EARLY CHILDHOOD GUIDANCE
Lecture: 2	Lab: 2	Credit: 3
This course focuses on developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of each child. The course emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments while using assessment to analyze and guide behaviors. Students will learn the impact of family and each child's culture, language, and ability on child guidance.