EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES

 

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.