EARLY CARE

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Description
This one-year early childhood education certificate provides coursework for those who work with or plan to work with young children in infant, toddler, preschool or early school-age settings of all kinds. Students will receive a basic understanding of principles of child growth and development, and will develop specific skills in planning and implementing curriculum for young children. Upon completion of the certificate, graduates will be prepared to assume positions in center-based child-care facilities, private pre-schools, before and after school programs and in-home care settings serving children ages infancy through age 8. The certificate program may also allow for further advancement within the child-care field.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Summarize specific Early Childhood developmental theories paying special attention to young childhood birth to age 8.
2.Explain the fundamental needs of young children.
3.Identify strategies that will enable Early Childhood professionals to successfully provide developmentally appropriate support and guidance for young children.
4.Explain the developmental milestones for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early school age children birth to age 8.
5.Connect the family and child relationship to early childhood classroom experiences.
6.Articulate the importance of the Early Childhood profession.

Requirements for Program Entrance
High school graduate or high school equivalency diploma.


Distribution Requirements
Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER 16 Credit Hours

ENG 101 College Composition OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition
3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychological Science
3
ECE 150 Exploring Early Care and Education
3
ECE 151 Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children
3
HED 116 Issues in Child Development and Health
3
EDU 100 Introduction to the Teaching Profession
1
Total
16
SECOND SEMESTER 15 Credit Hours
PSY 201 Developmental Psychology - Child3
ECE 130 Field Work Child Care Practitioner I3
ECE 152 Early Childhood Quality Practices for Professionals 3
ECE 250 Infant and Toddler Development3
EDU 150 Performance and Presentation Skills for Educators
3
Total15
TOTAL CREDITS
31