EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES
Center Campus
The Early Childhood Studies program prepares the student to work in a variety of early childhood settings. Students learn the theoretical base in growth and development and early childhood curriculum. There are field and practicum experiences to facilitate development of skills to implement a curriculum that fosters the physical, cognitive, social/emotional and language growth of young children.
Upon completion of the program the student may be employed in early childhood education centers, school-age care programs, and home or group care programs.
The student who has plans for advanced study in early childhood when completing this program should plan course work with an academic advisor or counselor to maximize the transferability of the program.
To meet State of Michigan licensing standards, the student should plan to have a criminal background test, a physical examination, and a test for tuberculosis before beginning a field observation or practicum.
Student health care is not provided by the college or practicum site.
Program advisor Kate Cole can be reached at 586.286.2190.
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(Minimum 62 Semester Hours)
A. Career Preparation and Related Courses
| Course |
Course Title |
Suggested
Sequence |
Sem
Hrs |
| ECHS-1100 |
Early Childhood Development |
X |
|
|
|
4.0 |
| ECHS-1540 |
Curriculum Skills; Birth to 3 Years |
X |
|
|
|
3.0 |
| PSYC-1010 |
Introductory Psychology |
X |
|
|
|
4.0 |
| AND |
|
| ENGL-1180 |
Communications 1 |
X |
|
|
|
4.0 |
| OR |
|
| ENGL-1210 |
Composition 1 |
X |
|
|
|
3.0 |
| AND |
|
| ECHS-1200 |
Early Childhood Curriculums |
|
X |
|
|
4.0 |
| ECHS-1300 |
Art & Representing Skills for Children |
|
X |
|
|
3.0 |
| ECHS-1600 |
Parents as Partners |
|
X |
|
|
3.0 |
| AND |
|
| ENGL-1190 |
Communications 2 |
|
X |
|
|
4.0 |
| OR |
|
| ENGL-1220 |
Composition 2 |
|
X |
|
|
3.0 |
| AND |
|
| BIOL-1400 |
Fundamentals of Nutrition |
|
|
X |
|
3.0 |
| ECHS-1400 |
Music & Movement for Children |
|
|
X |
|
3.0 |
| ECHS-1710 |
Child Care Management |
|
|
X |
|
3.0 |
| ECHS-2100 |
Implementing the Curriculum |
|
|
X |
|
2.0 |
| ECHS-2110 |
Curriculum Skills |
|
|
X |
|
2.0 |
| ECHS-1520 |
The Exceptional Child |
|
|
|
X |
3.0 |
| ECHS-2300 |
Early Childhood Practicum |
|
|
|
X |
4.0 |
| ECHS-2310 |
Professional Issues in Early Childhood |
|
|
|
X |
1.0 |
| |
48.0-50.0 |
B. Arts and Sciences Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . minimum semester hrs 18
Students should plan Arts and Sciences courses with a counselor, academic advisor, or program advisor.
- Group I requirement is met by successfully completing ENGL-1180 or ENGL-1210.
- Group II requirement is met by successfully completing BIOL-1400.
- Group III requirement is met by successfully completing PSYC-1010.
C. Elective Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9 sem hrs
Suggested elective courses:
| ECHS-1110 |
ITML-1000 |
NATS-1310 |
| ECHS-1560 |
MGMT-1210 |
SOCY-1100 |
| ECHS-1580 |
MUSC-1260 |
SPCH-1060 |
| ENGL-2640 |
|
|
In programs where the combination of required Career Preparation and related courses and Arts and Sciences courses do not equal a minimum of 62 semester hours, an academic advisor, counselor, or program advisor will aid in the selection of appropriate electives.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
CDA (Child Development Associate) Preparation
A CDA is a credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. To take these classes and apply for this credential students must be currently working in an early childhood setting. Students may prepare for this by completing:
| Course |
Course Title |
Sem
Hrs |
| ECHS-1800 |
Child Development Associate Credential Preparation, Part 1 |
3.0 |
| ECHS-1810 |
Child Development Associate Credential Preparation, Part 2 |
3.0 |
| ECHS-1815 |
Child Development Associate Credential Preparation, Part 3 |
3.0 |
Students may also achieve the content for CDA preparation by taking:
| Course |
Course Title |
Sem
Hrs |
| ECHS-1100 |
Early Childhood Development |
4.0 |
| ECHS-1200 |
Early Childhood Curriculums |
4.0 |
| ECHS-1600 |
Parents as Partners |
3.0 |
| ECHS-1710 |
Child Care Management |
3.0 |
| ECHS-1815 |
Child Development Associate Credential Preparation, Part 3 |
3.0 |
The Council for Professional Recognition grants the CDA credential. Students must apply and pay all fees related to taking the oral and written exam required to achieve the CDA credential. For further information, go to www.cdacouncil.org.