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Academics > All Programs > Early Childhood Care & Education Degree
The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early childhood care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates of this program will receive one of two areas of specialization: paraprofessional or program administration.
Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Care/Education Degree Program will be required to have criminal background checks to satisfaction of the clinical site and a Tuberculosis (TB) skin test prior to participating in a clinical or practicum.
Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for admission. Age: 16 years or older Placement: Achievement of appropriate scores on the college's placement test or submission of acceptable SAT or ACT scores. Provisional Admission accepted.
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| GENERAL CORE COURSES | |
| Language Arts | |
| ENGL 1101 Composition and Rhetoric 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ENGL 1102 Literature and Composition Emphasizes the student*s ability to read literature analytically and meaningfully and to communicate clearly.Students analyze the form and content of literature in historical and philosophical contexts. Topics include reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama; research; and writing about literature. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| Humanities (Choose ONE class) | |
| ARTS 1101 Art Appreciation Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well- known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.4318 | 3 |
| ENGL 2130 American Literature Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| MUSC 1101 Music Appreciation Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well-known works of music. This course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom. 4377 | 3 |
| Math | |
| MATH 1111 College Algebra 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| OR | |
| MATH 1103 Quantitative Skills and Reasoning This course focuses on quantitative skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.16366 | 3 |
| Social Sciences (choose ONE class) | |
| POLS 1101 American Government Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include: foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.12370 | 3 |
| PSYC 1101 Introductory Psychology 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| SOCI 1101 Introduction to Sociology Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| Select two courses from the following list—they may not be courses used to fulfill one of the requirements above. | |
| ARTS 1101 Art Appreciation Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well- known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.4318 | 3 |
| ECON 1101 Principles of Economics Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include: basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price, competition, and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures, federal and local; fluctuations in production, employment, and income; and United States economy in perspective.12372 | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 Literature and Composition Emphasizes the student*s ability to read literature analytically and meaningfully and to communicate clearly.Students analyze the form and content of literature in historical and philosophical contexts. Topics include reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama; research; and writing about literature. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ENGL 2130 American Literature Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| HIST 2112 US History II Emphasizes the study of the social, cultural, and political history of the United States from 1865 to the beginning of the twenty-first century and will equip the student to better understand the problems and challenges of the contemporary world in relation to events and trends in modern American history. The course also provides an overview of the history of Georgia and the development of its constitution. Topics include: the Reconstruction Period; the great West, the new South, and the rise of the debtor; the Gilded Age; the progressive movement; the emergence of the U. S. in world affairs; the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression; World War I; World War II; the Cold War and the 1950's; the Civil Rights Movement; the 1960's and 1970's; and America since 1980.12374 | 3 |
| MATH 1112 College Trigonometry Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using trigonometric concepts.Topics include trigonometric functions, properties of trigonometric functions, vectors and triangles, inverse of trigonometric functions and graphing of trigonometric functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and complex numbers. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| MUSC 1101 Music Appreciation Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well-known works of music. This course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom. 4377 | 3 |
| PHSC 1111 Physical Science Introduces the fundamentals of classical physics, the solar system, and universe from a descriptive viewpoint. Topics include: mechanics, temperature and heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, and astronomy. Laboratory exercises supplement class work. Computer use is an integral part of class and laboratory assignments.12376 | 3 |
| POLS 1101 American Government Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include: foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.12370 | 3 |
| PSYC 1101 Introductory Psychology 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| SOCI 1101 Introduction to Sociology Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| OCCUPATIONAL COURSES | |
COMP 1000 Introduction to Computer Literacy Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.
Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1101 Introduction to ECCE 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1103 Child Growth and Development 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1105 Health, Safety and Nutrition 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1112 Curriculum and Assessment 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1113 Creative Activities for Children 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2115 Language and Literacy 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2116 Math and Science 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2201 Exceptionalities 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2202 Social Issues & Family Involvement 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2203 Guidance & Classroom Mgmt 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 clutural diversity.Topics will include developmentally appropriate child guidance (birth through 12); effective classroom management, including preventive and interventive techniques; understanding challenging ehaviors; and implementing guidance plans. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 1121 Early Childhood Care & Ed Practicum 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2245 ECCE Internship I 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. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, 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.10351 | 6 |
| AND | |
| ECCE 2246 ECCE Internship II OR Guided Electives 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. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, 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.10353 | 6 |
| Choose one of the following specializations: | |
| PARAPROFESSIONAL SPECIALIZATION | |
| ECCE 2310 Paraprofess Methods & Materials 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| ECCE 2312 Paraprofessional Role & Practice 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION | |
| ECCE 2320 Program Admin & Facility Manage 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. Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
ECCE 2322 Personnel Management Emphasizes the knowledge and ability to analyze basic DC circuits and introductory concepts of AC circuits. Topics include: international units, basic electrical laws, series and parallel circuits, network analysis concepts, network theorems concepts, D.C. instruments, grounding techniques, magnetism, inductance/capacitance, transient analysis, and introduction to dependent sources and 2-port parameters. Laboratory work parallels class work.
Required textbooks and materials:
| 3 |
| *72 minimum semester hour credits required for graduation |
