Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education prepares students for future success in the field of early childhood education by improving academic and technology skills, improving employability skills, and articulating courses to community colleges. The rigorous and relevant 2-year program is based on state and national standards, CDA (Child Development Associate) competency standards, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards, and 21st century workforce skills. The industry of early childhood education is preparing for changes due to high rates of teacher retirement, national and state initiatives and requirements, and the new focus on the field of early childhood education. The course allows for core academic subjects to be integrated into the curriculum, which are vital to students’ success.  Research projects that early childhood teacher qualifications will increase, from the previous 2006 minimum standard of CDA, to an associate degree by 2010, with additional work toward a baccalaureate degree by 2020. This curriculum provides students with the background and experience needed to obtain a CDA credential within the summer after graduation.

Ms. Long is the Early Childhood Education instructor and has 18 years of teaching experience.

The prerequisites to be considered for this program are shown below:

C or higher in English (previous year)

C or higher in high school-level math (previous year)

Instructor approval and TABE reading score (8th or higher)