Program Overview
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program are well- versed in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, discipline techniques, and other integral facets of early childhood education. Students will be prepared to direct or teach at a day care center or preschool.
Enrollment in courses requires weekly field assignments as well as a complete medical examination, TB skin test, State background checks, and three (3) written references.
Work and Employment
Opportunities exist in home-based care, day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, private homes, and at before or after-school programs. While the program is not preparation for state certification, courses may transfer to four-year schools, where certification can be earned to teach ages birth through third grade. Students should also consult with an Academic Advisor, the Dean, or Academic Chair of the ECE program.
Requirements
Early Childhood Education (40 credits)
| ECE-100 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE-101 | The Developing Child | 3 |
| ECE-103 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children | 3 |
| ECE-104 | Large Muscle Development | 2 |
| ECE-105 | Observation and Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| ECE-106 | Music for the Young Child | 3 |
| ECE-107 | Science for the Young Child | 2 |
| ECE-108 | Art for the Young Child | 3 |
| ECE-201 | Language Development | 3 |
| ECE-202 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| - | | |
| ECE-113 | Infant and Toddler Curriculum | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| ECE-203 | Curriculum Planning for the Young Child | 3 |
| - | | |
| ECE-204 | Internship-Child Care | 4 |
| ECE-205 | Organization and Supervision of Early Childhood Facilities | 3 |
| ECE-206 | Mathematics for the Young Child | 2 |
General Education
| BIO- | Elective | 3 |
| ENG-101 | Composition I | 3 |
| PSY-170 | General Psychology | 3 |
| EDU-244 | Students With Disabilities in Schools | 3 |
| - | | |
| PSY-270 | Life-Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| SOC-190 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| - | | |
| SOC-299 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| EDU-202 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| - | | |
| SPH-131 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| Electives- | | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Electives: Select 3 credits from the following course prefixes/Divisions.
CIS, HUM, Social Sciences, Mathematics, or Science electives.