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Early Childhood Care/Education - EC13
Offered at the Following Campuses
- Valdosta Campus
- Coffee Campus
- Ben Hill-Irwin Campus
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates of this program will receive one of six areas of specialization: Exceptionalities, Infant/Toddler Development, Program Administration, Paraprofessional, School Age and Youth Care, or Family Child Care.
Entrance Requirements
*Submit a completed application and application fee;
*Be at least 16 years of age;
*Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
*Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
*Present acceptable SAT, ACT, or CPE scores taken within the last 60 months, or acceptable COMPASS or ASSET scores taken within the last 60 months. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.
*A satisfactory criminal background check must be completed prior to entering the Early Childhood Care and Education practicum. A felony conviction could prevent employment in the Early Childhood Care and Education field.
Course Overview
Credit Hours
General Education Core (18 hours)
Area I - Language Arts/Communications (6 hours)
3
Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.
XXX
xxx
Language Arts/Communication Elective
3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)
3
Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Choose One of the Following (3 hours)
3
Emphasizes algebra, statistics, and mathematics of finance. Topics include fundamental operations of algebra, sets and logic, probability and statistics, geometry, mathematics of voting and districting, and mathematics of finance.
3
Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.
3
Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.
Area IV - Humanities and Fine Arts (3 hours)
XXX
xxx
Humanities or Fine Arts Elective
3
Additional General Education Core Requirement (3 hours)
XXX
xxx
General Education Core Elective
3
Occupational Courses (48 hours)
3
Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.
Introduces concepts relating the responsibilities and procedures involved in a variety of early childhood care situations. Topics include historical perspectives; professionalism; guidance; developmentally appropriate practices; learning environment (including all children); cultural diversity; and licensing, accreditation, and credentialing.
3
Introduces the student to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the young child (prenatal through 12 years of age). The course provides for competency development in observing, recording, and interpreting growth and development stages in the young child; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development; and examining relationships between child development and positive guidance. Topics include developmental characteristics, prenatal through age 12, developmental guidance applications, observing and recording techniques, ages and stages of development, and introduction to children with special needs.
3
Introduces the theory, practices, and requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment. Topics include CPR and first aid, health issues, safety issues, child abuse and neglect, and nutritional needs of children.
3
Provides student with an understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching, learning, observing, documenting and assessment strategies that promote positive development for young children. The course will enable the student to establish a learning environment appropriate for young children and to identify the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment in the development of curriculum for young children. Topics include observing, documenting, and assessing; learning environments; development of curriculum plans and materials; curriculum approaches; and instructional media.
3
Introduces the concepts related to creativity in art,music, movement and creative drama, and facilitating children's creative expression across the curriculum. Topics include concepts of creativity and expression; theories of young children's creative development; facilitation of children's creative expression, media, methods and materials across the curriculum; appreciation of children's art processes and products; appreciation of children's creativity in music, movement and dance; appreciation of children's creative expression in play and creative drama; and art and music appreciation.
3
Provides the student with the opportunity to gain a supervised experience in a practicum placement site allowing demonstration of techniques obtained from course work. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relationships; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; teaching and learning; becoming a professional; and guidance techniques and classroom management.
3
Develops knowledge, skills, and abilities in supporting young children's literacy acquisition and development, birth through age twelve. Topics include developmental continuum of reading and writing, literacy acquisition birth to five years of age, literacy acquisition in kindergarten, literacy acquisition in early grades, and literacy acquisition in children who are culturally and linguistically diverse.
3
Presents the process of introducing math and science concepts to young children. Includes planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and development of math and science materials, media and methods. Topics include inquiry approach to learning; cognitive stages and developmental processes in developing math and science concepts with children birth to five; cognitive stages and developmental processes in developing math and science concepts with children in kindergarten and primary grades; planning math and science activities; and development of math and science materials, media and methods.
3
Provides for the development of knowledge and skills that will enable the student to understand individuals with special needs and appropriately guide their development. Special emphasis is placed on acquainting the student with programs and community resources that serve families with children with special needs. Topics include inclusion/least restrictive environment (LRE), physical and motor impairments, gifted/talented, intellectual and cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders in speech and language, autism spectrum disorders, visual impairments, deaf and hard of hearing, health impairments, multiple disabilities, and community resources.
3
Enables the student to value the complex characteristics of children's families and communities and to develop culturally responsive practices which will support family partnerships. Students use their understanding to build reciprocal relationships which promote children's development and learning. Students are introduced to local programs and agencies that offer services to children and families within the community. Topics include professional responsibilities, family/social issues, community resources, family education and support, teacher-family communication, community partnerships, social diversity and anti-bias concerns, successful transitions, and school-family activities.
3
Examines effective guidance practices in group settings based upon the application of theoretical models of child development and of developmentally appropriate practices. Focus will be given to individual, family, and cultural diversity. Topics will include developmentally appropriate child guidance (birth through 12); effective classroom management, including preventive and interventive techniques; understanding challenging behaviors; and implementing guidance plans.
12
Provides the student with the opportunity to gain a supervised experience in an actual or simulated work site allowing demonstration of techniques obtained from course work. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relationships; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; teaching and learning; becoming a professional; and guidance techniques and classroom management.
Choose One of the Following Specializations (6 hours)
8PS3 - Paraprofessional (6 hours)
3
Develops the instructional skills to enable the student to work as a paraprofessional in a program for kindergarten through elementary age children. Topics include assessment and curriculum, instructional techniques, and methods for instruction in a learning environment.
3
Develops skills to enable the student to work as a paraprofessional in a program for kindergarten through elementary aged children. Topics include professional qualifications, professional and ethical conduct, professionalism and employment, and paraprofessional roles and responsibilities.
8P13 - Program Administration (6 hours)
3
Provides training in planning, implementation, and maintenance of an effective early childhood program and facility. Topics include organization, mission, philosophy, goals of a program; types of programs; laws, rules, regulations, accreditation, and program evaluation; needs assessment; administrative roles and board of directors; anti-bias program development; child development and developmentally appropriate practices; marketing, public and community relations, grouping, enrollment and retention; working with families; professionalism and work ethics; space management; money management; and program, equipment, and supplies management.
3
Provides training in early childhood personnel management. Topics include staff records; communication; personnel policies; managing payroll; recruitment, interviewing, selection, hiring, motivating, and firing; staff retention; staff scheduling; staff development; staff supervision; conflict resolution; staff evaluations; ethical responsibilities to employees; and time and stress management.
8ID3 - Infant/Toddler Development (6 hours)
3
Introduces the three developmentally meaningful age periods during infancy. Provides knowledge, grounded in brain and attachment research, about how children learn and the skills and attitudes necessary to support optimum social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development for children from birth to three. Principles of brain development and language and communication will be explored in depth. Special emphasis is placed on experiential learning to show caregivers practical ways of meeting the fundamental needs of all infants in group care settings and of helping them learn the lessons that every infant comes into the world eager to learn. The needs of infants and toddlers with established disabilities as well as those at risk for developmental problems will be examined from the perspective of early intervention and inclusion.
3
Provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet the fundamental needs of children from birth to three in group care settings. Establishes a foundation for a responsive, relationship-based curriculum for children birth to three who are in group care settings. Introduces the philosophy behind primary care, continuity of care, and respectful care. Explores ways of creating environments for infant/toddler group care which foster optimum social/emotional, physical and cognitive development, promote cultural sensitivity and encourage positive parent caregiver relations.
8FC3 - Family Child Care (6 hours)
3
Provides the guidelines, responsibilities, and appropriate practices needed for successful management of a Family Child Care Home. Provides guidelines and responsibilities for professional business practices associated with the successful establishment and administration of a Family Child Care Home. Topics include business plans, budgeting, taxes, marketing, record keeping, and professional qualifications.
3
Provides guidelines and responsibilities for professional business practices associated with the successful establishment and administration of a Family Child Care Home. Topics include: business plans; budgeting; taxes; marketing, record keeping and professional qualifications.
8SA3 - School Age and Youth Care (6 hours)
3
Introduces the student to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of the early adolescent (1215 years of age). Provides learning experiences related to the principles of human growth, development, and maturation, and theories of learning and behavior. Topics include developmental characteristics, guidance techniques, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Provides the student with information about preparing appropriate environments and planning and implementing activities for school age children and youth. This class includes 30 hours of lab, during which the student will be observed implementing the concepts learned in class. Topics include space design, varied choices and program activities to promote interest in: athletic/physical development, community involvement, cultural arts literacy, math, science and technology, and positive social relationships.
8EX3 - Exceptionalities (6 hours)
3
Prepares child care providers and paraprofessionals with knowledge and skills in the areas of working effectively with children with a disability; working with families as partners; examining the laws and regulations; exploring resources, service providers, and agencies that may assist the child and his/her family; examining the adaptations and modifications to facilities and environments; reviewing the referral process; implementing inclusion; modifying instruction to accommodate the child with special needs; and investigating ways to document and chart observations.
3
Prepares child care providers and paraprofessionals with knowledge and skills for screening and assessing purposes; and explores resources, service providers, and agencies that may assist the child and families in educational or natural settings. Examines adaptations, accommodations, and modifications to environments; reviews the referral process; implements inclusion and modifies instruction to accommodate the child with special needs.
Related Program Options:
Early Childhood Care/Education Diploma
Child Development Specialist TCC
Early Childhood Program Administration TCC
CDA Preparation TCC
General Education Core Options
Advisors
Kyle TaftEarly Childhood Care & Education Program Coordinator
Office: 303A
Phone: (229) 468-2057
Email:
Campus: Ben Hill-Irwin Campus
Jill Griffin
Early Childhood Care & Education Program Coordinator
Office: Coffee Hall, ECCE Modular Unit
Phone: 229-468-2259
Email:
Campus: Coffee Campus
Wendy Fletcher
Early Childhood Care & Education Coordinator
Office: Lowndes Hall, Room 7161
Phone: (229) 333-2100 ext. 3045
Email:
Campus: Valdosta Campus
