Course Catalog

Child Development Specialist (CD61) Technical Certificate of Credit

Campus Locations: Valdosta, Ben Hill Irwin, Online, Coffee

Purpose: The Child Development Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit allows students to complete the foundational courses of all early childhood programs. It provides access to various Entry-Level positions at daycares and private preschools, as well as Head Start.

Curriculum: Topics include brain development, foundations of early learning, health and safety, planning, assessment, and curriculum. The student practicum gives in-field experience. Students already working in-field may use their jobs as their placement site and to accrue their mandated hours.

Careers: Assistant Preschool Teachers, Assistant Head Start Teachers, Family Child Care Providers, Daycare Assistants, and Nannies

Some assignments may require students to attend face-to-face sessions.

Requirements:

Submit a completed application and application fee
Be at least 16 years of age
Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores, Georgia Milestones Literature/Composition or Georgia Milestones American Literature/Composition (for meeting English requirement only) or GED score of 145 or higher, or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a High School overall GPA of 2.0, a HOPE Scholarship GPA of 2.6 or higher after the completion of 10^th grade, or have 2 years documented work experience in the subject area. 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.

Experienced Worker Certification Form

This program is a HOPE Career Grant eligible program for students who are HOPE Grant eligible. The Career Grant award is a fixed amount per semester based on the number of credit hours taken. Maximum award per term is $500.

Curriculum Outline (14 hours)

Occupational Courses	14
ECCE 1101Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): COLL 1010 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
ECCE 1103Child Growth and Development Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 1105Health, Safety and Nutrition Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 1112Curriculum and Assessment Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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
Occupational Elective - Choose One of the Following (3 Hours)	2
EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Professional Development Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.	2
ECCE 1121Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1105 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