EDUCATION - EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES
Center Campus
The Education - Early Childhood Studies Program prepares students to work in a variety of early childhood settings. Students learn the theoretical basis of human growth and development as well as 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. Students will observe, document, responsibly assess, and develop positive, reciprocal relations with families. The program is aligned with the accreditation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and meets the requirements for teachers and directors according to the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Child Day Care Licensing. Student health care is not provided by the college or observation or practicum site.
Students who have 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.
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(Minimum 62 Semester Hours)
A. Career Preparation & Related
| 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 |
either ENGL-1180 or ENGL-1210 |
| 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 |
either ENGL-1190 or ENGL-1220 |
| ENGL-1190 |
Communications 2 |
|
X |
|
|
4.0 |
| OR |
|
| ENGL-1220 |
Composition 2 |
|
X |
|
|
3.0 |
| AND |
either BIOL-1400, BIOL-1000, or NATS-1200 |
| BIOL-1400 |
Fundamentals of Nutrition |
|
|
X |
|
3.0 |
| OR |
|
| BIOL-1000 |
General Biology 1 |
|
|
X |
|
4.0 |
| OR |
|
| NATS-1200 |
Natural Science |
|
|
X |
|
4.0 |
| AND |
|
| 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-2310 |
Professional Issues in Early Childhood |
|
|
|
X |
1.0 |
| ECHS-2330 |
Early Childhood Practicum |
|
|
|
X |
3.0 |
| ECHS-2340 |
Early Childhood Practicum Seminar |
|
|
|
X |
2.0 |
| |
49.0-52.0 |
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, BIOL-1000, or NATS-1200.
- Group III requirement is met by successfully completing PSYC-1010.
C. Elective Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 sem hrs
Suggested elective courses:
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.
| ECHS-1550 |
ITML-1000 |
NATS-1310 |
| ECHS-1580 |
MGMT-1210 |
SOCY-1100 |
| ENGL-2640 |
MUSC-1260 |
SPCH-1060 |
D. Certificate Options
Skilled Specific Certificate in Education - Early Childhood Studies - Early Childhood Center Director
This certificate is for students who already hold an associate or baccalaureate degree in another subject. It meets the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements for center directors.
| Course |
Course Title |
Suggested
Sequence |
Sem
Hrs |
| ECHS-1100 |
Early Childhood Development |
X |
|
|
|
4.0 |
| ECHS-1200 |
Early Childhood Curriculums |
|
X |
|
|
4.0 |
| ECHS-1540 |
Curriculum Skills; Birth to 3 Years |
X |
|
|
|
3.0 |
| ECHS-2100 |
Implementing the Curriculum |
|
|
|
X |
2.0 |
| ECHS-2110 |
Curriculum Skills |
|
|
|
X |
2.0 |
| ECHS-1710 |
Child Care Management |
|
|
|
X |
3.0 |
| |
18.0 |
Skilled Specific Certificate in Education - Early Childhood Studies - Family Child Care Management
This certificate prepares students to develop and implement a family child care program.
| 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 |
| ECHS-1550 |
Family Child Care Management |
X |
|
|
|
3.0 |
| |
10.0 |
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.