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Program Overview

Certificate of Achievement - Early Childhood Education

Program Mission

The mission of the GBC early childhood program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively and professionally with young children, their families, and their communities.

Successful completion of the early childhood education certificate and degrees is designed to qualify students for such employment opportunities as paraprofessionals, teachers, and/or directors in childcare centers, preschools, and home-based programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Standard #1: Child Development and Learning in Context

Outcome: Students will identify and describe key developmental milestones and learning processes in children from birth through age five, focusing on major developmental domains.

Standard #2: Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections

Outcome: Students will recognize the importance of family-teacher partnerships and demonstrate basic strategies for effective communication and collabora­tion with families.

Standard #3: Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment

Outcome: Students will conduct basic observations and use simple documentation techniques to assess children’s development and learning, informing instructional planning.

Standard #4: Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices

Outcome: Students will apply fundamental teaching practices that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for young children.

Standard #5: Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum

Outcome: Students will implement basic pedagogi­cal methods for teaching early childhood disciplines, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate.

Standard #6: Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

Outcome: Students will understand and apply ethical guidelines and professional standards in early child­hood education, advocating for young children and their families.

General Education Requirements

English/Communications (one course required) 

Course # Course Title Credits
ENG 100 Composition-Enhanced 5 Credits
ENG 101 Composition I 3 Credits

 

Mathematics (one course required): Choose from the courses listed below or any higher-level math course.

Course # Course Title Credits
MATH 116 Technical Mathematics I 3 Credits
MATH 116E Technical Mathematics Expanded 3-5 Credits
MATH 120 Fund of College Math 3 Credits
MATH 120E Fund of College Math Expanded 3 Credits
MATH 126 Precalculus I 3 Credits
MATH 126E Precalculus I Expanded 3 Credits

 

Human Relations (required)

Course # Course Title Credits
PSY 208 Psy of Human Relations 3 Credits

 

Technology (required)

Course # Course Title Credits
EDU 214 Prep Teachers to Use Tech 3 Credits

 

Program Requirements 

Course # Course Title Credits
ECE 200 The Exceptional Child 3 Credits
ECE 204 Principles Child Guidance 3 Credits
ECE 231 Practicum:Early Child Lab 6 Credits
ECE 250 Intro Early Childhood Edu 3 Credits
ECE 251 Curriculm Early Child Edu 3 Credits
ECE 262 Early Lang/Litrcy Develop 3 Credits

Suggested Course Sequence

Course Credits
ECE 204         3
ECE 250         3
ENGLISH*     3-5
EDU 214          3
MATH*          3
TOTAL 15-17
*Choose with Advisor  

Course Credits
PSY 208   3
ECE 200   3
ECE 251   3
ECE 231   6
ECE 262   3
TOTAL 18