Course Catalog

Early Childhood Care/Education (EC13) Degree

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

Purpose: The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science Degree prepares students for career advancement beyond Entry-Level positions in the early childhood field.

Curriculum: In addition to foundations of early childhood, brain development, behavior management, social issues, curriculum, and assessment, the degree includes training in teaching students with diverse needs (gifted, disabled, English as a second language). Areas of specialization include Exceptionalities, Infant/Toddler Development, Program Administration, and Para Professionalism. The student practicum and internship give in-field experience. Students already working in-field may use their jobs as their placement site and accrue their mandated hours.

Careers: Early Head Start Teachers, Head Start Teachers, Montessori Teachers, Lead Preschool Teachers, School Age Care Teachers (After-School Programs), Family or Group Home Care Providers, Nannies, Home Visitors, Parent Educators, Center Directors, and Public School Paraprofessionals

Requirements:

Submit a completed application and application fee
Be at least 16 years of age
Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. 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.

Additional Program Requirements:

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.

Curriculum Outline (72 hours)

General Core Courses	18
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (6 Hours)	6
ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
XXXX xxxx - Language Arts/Communication Elective (3 Hours)
Area II - Social/Behavior Science – Complete 3 Hours	3
PSYC 1101Introductory Psychology Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Choose One of the Following (3 hours)	3
MATH 1100Quantitative Skills and Reasoning Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None 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
MATH 1101Mathematic Modeling Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None 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
MATH 1111College Algebra Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours	3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours	3

Occupational Courses	36
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
ECCE 1113Creative Activities for Child Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
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
ECCE 2115Language and Literacy Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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
ECCE 2116Math and Science Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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
ECCE 2201Exceptionalities Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2202Social Issues and Family Involvement Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2203Guidance and Classroom Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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.	3
COMP 2000Intro. to Technology and Computer Application Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture-3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: Program Admission Co-Requisite: None This course provides an introduction to computer applications for the development of analytical and problem-solving workplace skills. The course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Topics include file management, word processing software, database software, spreadsheet software, and presentation software skill development. The course also introduces terminology related to computer hardware, computer networks, and social and ethical concepts.	3

Internship Options - Choose One of the Options Below (12 Hours)	12
ECCE Internship (12 Hours)	12
ECCE 2245Early Childhood Care and Education Internship I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 18 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 1101, ECCE 1103 Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1105 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. Internship topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relations; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; using developmentally effective approaches; using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum; and becoming a professional.	6
ECCE 2246Early Childhood Care and Education Internship II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 18 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 1101, ECCE 1103 Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1105 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. Internship topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relations; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; using developmentally effective approaches; using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum; and becoming a professional.	6
ECCE Internship and Electives (12 Hours)	12
ECCE 2245Early Childhood Care and Education Internship I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 18 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 1101, ECCE 1103 Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1105 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. Internship topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relations; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; using developmentally effective approaches; using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum; and becoming a professional.	6
Choose Two of the Following (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2310Paraprofessional Methods and Materials Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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
ECCE 2312Paraprofessional Role and Practice Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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.	3
ECCE 2320Program Administration and Facility Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2322Personnel Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
ECCE 2360Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Children Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 2201 Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2362Exploring Your Role in Exceptional Environment Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 2201 Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3

Specializations – Choose One of the Following (6 Hours)	6
8EX3 - Exceptionalities (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2360Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Children Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 2201 Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2362Exploring Your Role in Exceptional Environment Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 2201 Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
8ID3 - Infant/Toddler Development (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2330Infant/Toddler Development Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2332Infant/Toddler Group Care and Curriculum Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
8PS3 - Paraprofessional (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2310Paraprofessional Methods and Materials Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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
ECCE 2312Paraprofessional Role and Practice Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 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.	3
8P13 - Program Administration (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2320Program Administration and Facility Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2322Personnel Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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.	3
8FC3 - Family Child Care (6 Hours)	6
ECCE 2340Family Child Care Program Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ECCE 1103 Co-requisite(s): None 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
ECCE 2342Family Child Care Business Management Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None 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