EARLY CHILDHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD (ECH) (HEGIS 5503)
This program provides students with a background in general education and specific skills necessary to work effectively with young children. The curriculum is designed to prepare students, through class and laboratory experience, to become a teacher (head of group) or assistant in preschool/ day care/ nursery school settings. The College conducts an on-campus Laboratory Nursery School where students can gain practical teaching experience under professional supervision. Students also participate in various day care centers, pre-schools and kindergartens in the community. The program is designed for students seeking employment in the field. However, many of the credits will transfer to senior colleges offering a baccalaureate degree in elementary education. Students intending to transfer should consult the Education Coordinator (H403K, ext. 8343), Early Childhood Program Chairperson (T207, ext. 8348) and the Transfer Advisor (S301, ext. 8040).
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded upon completion of the requirements for this program.
Upon completion of the ECH program, students will be able to display knowledge and appropriate applications in the follow areas:
- Promote Child Development and Learning by creating a learning environment
that addresses the developmental characteristics
and needs of young children. - Build Family and Community Relationships by demonstrating the learners’
understanding of the impact on children’s development
and learning of families and the communities in which they live. - Observe, Document and Assess to Support Young Children and their Families by using systematic observations, documentation and other age appropriate strategies to develop age appropriate curriculum and strategies to impact positively on children’s development and learning and communicate with families and other professionals.
- Actuate the Teaching and Learning Process by integrating the knowledge of
developmentally effective approaches to design, implement and evaluate learning
experiences for young children in a variety of curricular areas.
5. Become a Professional by illustrating an understanding of the
ethical implications and consequences of decisions regarding policies and practices in early childhood.
Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.
FIRST SEMESTER
| Course No. | Descriptive Title | Cr.Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| PSY 111 | Psychological Principles I | 3 |
| ECH 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECH 102 | Introductory Seminar: Programs for Young Children | 1 |
| ECH 120 | Infant and Toddler Curriculum | 3 |
| ECH 121 | Infant and Toddler Curriculum Fieldwork (b) | 1 |
| ECH 111 | Curriculum Activities for Young Children | 2 |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
SECOND SEMESTER
| Course No. | Descriptive Title | Cr.Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
| ECH 107 | Preparing to Teach Young Children | 2 |
| ECH 108 | Early Childhood Practicum I (b) | 2 |
| PSY 221 | Child & Adolescent Development | 3 |
| SPE 101, PSY 134 or PSY 206 | 3 | |
| BIO 103 | Human Biology (a) | 4 |
|
TOTAL |
17 |
THIRD SEMESTER
| Course No. | Descriptive Title | Cr.Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ECH 254 | Foundations and Issues inEarly Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECH 205 | Early Childhoom Practicum II (b) | 4 |
| BHS 103 | Social Problems in Today's World | 3 |
| ECO 105, GOV 121, HIS 104, HIS 108 | 3 | |
| WFE 101 | Lifetime Wellness and Fitness | 3 |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
FOURTH SEMESTER
| Course No. | Descriptive Title | Cr.Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ECH 206 | Early Childhood Practicum II (b) | 4 |
| ECH 212 | Language and Literature in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECH 214 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| BIO 104 | Environmental Biology (a) | 4 |
| Free Elective (c) | 3-4 | |
|
TOTAL |
17-18 |
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 66
NOTE: In addition to the course requirements for this
curriculum, all matriculated students must demonstrate proficiency in basic
quantitative skills by earning a passing score on the numerical skills placement
test. Students who do not earn a passing score on this test will be required to
take CSM 090 and earn a grade of C or better.
a. The sequence BIO 101-102 may
be substituted for the sequence BIO 103-104.
b. Transportation to and from
practicum sites is the responsibility of the student. All students are required
to submit a completed
physical examination form within the two weeks of the
beginning of the semester. Forms are available at the College Health
Office.
c. See page 98 of the college catalog for a full discussion of the
free elective requirement. The subject area for Early Childhood includes all
courses labeled ECH.