The Early Childhood Education program is designed to offer a one-year curriculum for students interested in entering the childcare field or upgrading current skills. This program provides the academic background and practical experience for people interested in careers in education, including infant, preschool and school-age child care in early childhood centers, family child care homes, parent education, and early childhood program supervision. The classes will include practicum experience in a Child Development Center.

Certificates and Degrees

The completion of the Early Childhood Education certificates will prepare the student with the skills necessary to understand how to provide developmentally appropriate interactions and learning experiences for young children.

Nature of Work

Employment opportunities for graduates of the early childhood education program are very positive, whether pursuing a career in group day care, preschool settings or family care. Because of the rapid growth in group care/education, the need for excellence in child care providers is of critical importance. This program is part of the Education & Training Career Cluster.​​​​​​​​

Degree​​

Certificates​​

Assistant Teacher Certificate – Gateways to Opportunity Level 2 Credential

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 100Introduction to Early Childhood3
ECE 200Growth and Development of Young Children3
ECE 220Methods of Guiding Child Behavior3
Total9
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 123Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECE 203Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 225Child, Family, Community3
Total9
​​Total Credit Hours18

Early Childhood Educator Certificate – Gateway to Opportunity Level 3 Credential

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
ECE 100Introduction to Early Childhood3
ECE 200Growth and Development of Young Children3
ECE 220Methods of Guiding Child Behavior3
ENG 101Composition I3
***Mathematics -- MAT 102, MAT 105, MAT 125 or MAT 1323
Total15
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
ECE 123Health, Safety and Nutrition3
ECE 203Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs3
ECE 225Child, Family, Community3
ECE 228Observation/Assessment (Pre-req ECE 200)3
***Psychology/Sociology course -- PSY 130 or SOC 1003
Total15
​​Total Credit Hours30

Early Childhood Education Certificate: 24 Credit Hours

Course CodeCourse​Credit Hours
Fall Semester CoursesCredit Hrs.
CHD101​Infant Toddler Development2
CHD102Preschool Child Development2
​HS 101​First Aid2
​ED 122​Creative Activities for Young Children3
​ED 123​Health & Nutrition for the Young Child3
Total12
​​Spring Semester Courses​Credit Hrs.
​CHD103​Behavior Management & Guidance2
CHD104​School Age Child Development2
CHD107Field Experience—Infant Toddler2
CHD108Field Experience—Preschool2
​ED 225​Parent & Community Involvement3
Total11
​​Summer InterimCredit Hrs.
CHD110​Child Care Professional1
​​Total Credit Hours24

Prerequisites for completing CHD 109 – Field Experience:

  • Physical within 6 months
  • State background check
  • Finger print check