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Early Childhood Education (EC)
Academic School: Integrated Studies
(Effective Fall 2006)

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

Early Childhood Education provides students with a sound foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of early care and education settings. The curriculum establishes strengths in oral and written communication, problem solving, and evaluation skills. Students will have an understanding of the physical, social, and psychological factors that influence a child's development in a particular cultural environment. Fieldwork experiences provide students an opportunity to work directly with young children, drawing upon the principles and professional practices covered in the course work.

Career Opportunities:  Childcare director, group supervisor, assistant group supervisor, Head Start teacher, Head Start assistant teacher, Head Start home visitor, teacher's aide, house parent, child caseworker's aide, assistant teacher, family day care home operator, and group day care home operator.

Recommended High School Subjects:  Three years of English and at least one year of child development.

Remediation Strategies:  All students entering the major will be tested for English, reading, and mathematics deficiencies. Any reading deficiencies should be corrected prior to beginning the major. Students will be expected to remediate any other deficiencies during their first year in the major.

Transfer Procedures:  This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals:  A graduate of this major should be able to:

• apply principles of psychology, sociology, mathematics, communication, and natural science to personal and career situations.
• identify indicators and norms/milestones of typical and atypical child development: cognitive, language, psycho-social, and motor.
• understand the interrelationship of the developmental domains (physical, emotional, social, and cognitive), and apply this knowledge.
• apply knowledge of child development and methodological approaches to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments for all young children, in their cultural contexts.
• understand and demonstrate the skills and strategies necessary for developing positive interpersonal relationships that support and empower children and their families.
• understand the goals, benefits, techniques, and responsible uses of assessment.
• plan, implement, and adapt developmentally appropriate activities for all young children, with sensitivity to individuals' needs, by using a variety of techniques and materials that encompass aesthetics, creativity, and a sound knowledge of child development.
• identify and access appropriate children's services and community resources to better serve and advocate for young children and their families.
• use developmentally appropriate guidance techniques to support constructive behaviors, promote development, and encourage positive relationships.
• establish and maintain responsible practices for promoting childhood health, safety, and nutrition.
• comply with a variety of legal and organizational regulations, policies, ethical guidelines, and program standards associated with the provision of early childhood education services, including proper report and document preparation.
• continually develop and act upon a personal philosophy of pedagogy that guides interactions with children, staff, colleagues, families and community, using the ethical guidelines and standards of the early childhood profession.

Additional Information:  The Program Goals are adapted from the NAEYC Standards for Associate Degree Programs.

CDA (Child Development Associate) - Two CDA national credentials are available to graduates when they complete additional center-based supervised field experience as well as the assessments required by the national CDA office. Penn College Early Childhood faculty are certified CDA trainers.

Notice of Conviction:  Children's Services Protection Act 33 and/or Act 34 clearance is required in order to take EDU 256, Early Childhood Practicum. Students desiring entrance into the Early Childhood major should be aware that early childcare providers could bar a student from their site if a criminal record exists or if a positive drug test is noted. Inability to gain internship experience in the practicum results in an inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. The presence of a criminal record can also result in early childcare providers refusing to issue credentials necessary for employment.

Pennsylvania College of Technology · One College Avenue · Williamsport, PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

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