Early Childhood Education
Certificate of Proficiency
Purpose
The Early Childhood Education Certificate Program prepares students to compete for entry level employment in the child care field. This certificate also increases the knowledge and skills of people who currently work with children. The Children's Lab School provides an environment for observation and practice. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of child development from birth through age eight.Employment Options: Family child care provider, preschool teacher's aide, or child care provider/teacher or aide. Students may enter any quarter and participate on a part-time schedule. Students may complete the certificate program, Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Competencies, or take a single course of special interest. Day and evening classes are available.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program should be able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of how children differ in their development and approaches to learning and to use this knowledge to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all young children from birth through age eight.
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Demonstrate the ability to use theory, research and foundations of education when planning and implementing Early Child Education programs.
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Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices based on knowledge of individual children, the community and the curriculum goals and content.
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Use individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children and develop personal self -control, self-motivation and positive self-esteem.
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Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families.
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Articulate a philosophy and rationale for decisions while continually assessing and evaluating the effects of their choices and actions on others.
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Serve as an advocate on behalf of young children and their families, programs for young children and the working environment for early childhood educators.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession and a commitment to professionalism.
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Demonstrate competence in managing human, fiscal, and spatial resources while meeting the health and safety needs of children and adults.
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Model global awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of children.
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Examine, discuss, evaluate and critique various issues and trends in Early Childhood Education.
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Identify and explain the major historic events and theoretical perspectives of Early Childhood Education.
Recommended course schedule:
Fall Quarter
| MATH 101 | Foundational Math Concepts | 5 |
| EDEC 105 | Introduction to Child Care | 2 |
| EDEC 132 | Observation/Assessment | 3 |
| EDEC 165 | Guiding Young Children | 3 |
| EDEC 170 | Methods - Art, Music & Movement | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Winter Quarter
| EDEC 160 | Child, Family & Community | 3 |
| EDEC 171 | Methods - Math, Science & Social Studies | 3 |
| EDEC 233 | Integrated Strategies for Teaching | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Spring Quarter
| EDEC 172 | Methods - Language, Communication & Literacy | 3 |
| EDEC 234 | Integrated Strategies for Teaching II | 5 |
| EDUC& 115 | Child Development | 5 |
| H R 110 | Human Relations in the Workplace | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
(Content has been updated for 2009-2010)
