Program Description
Prepares students for careers in child care centers, Head Start programs, nursery schools, and self-employment as family child care providers or nannies. Offers specialized courses in early childhood education, as well as core classes designed to support professionals currently working in the field. The curriculum meets the educational requirements for roles such as senior staff, group leader, and director of a small center. It also aligns with the Maryland child care credential and other state requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply major concepts, principles, and theories related to child development.
- Demonstrate developmentally appropriate curriculum and materials for infancy to eight years old.
- Demonstrate characteristics of future teachers by behaving professionally at events and experiences both on and off campus, and utilizing college-level skills.
- Synthesize the fundamentals and practices of early childhood development.
- Communicate appropriate guidance and behavior modification techniques and theories.
- Explain, identify, and discuss duties of administrators of child care settings.
- Identify and curate appropriate children's books based on content, age level, and educational value.
- Explain and identify the major theories, historical roots, and theorists in the field of early childhood education.
Program Requirements
- Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the Early Childhood Development Certificate program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental Requirements | ||
| ECED 101 | Child Development & Behavior | 3 |
| ECED 105 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECED 125 | Methods and Materials in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED 135 | Infants & Toddlers Development and Care (Fall) | 3 |
| ECED 145 | Child Health, Safety and Nutrition (Fall) | 3 |
| ECED 155 | Activities for the School-Age Child (Fall) | 3 |
| ECED 205 | Administration of Child Development Centers (Spring) | 3 |
| ECED 215 | Understanding and Guiding the Young Child's Behavior (Spring) | 3 |
| ECED 225 | Language & Literacy Development in Early Childhood (Spring) | 3 |
| EDUC 230 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| or ECED 110 | Early Childhood Special Education | |
| ECED 235 | Diversity and Professionalism in Early Childhood Education (Spring) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Transfer Note
For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.
Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)
Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.
Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.
| Recommended First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 101 | Child Development & Behavior | 3 |
| ECED 125 | Methods and Materials in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECED 135 | Infants & Toddlers Development and Care (Fall) | 3 |
| ECED 155 | Activities for the School-Age Child (Fall) | 3 |
| Upon completion of the first semester coursework, students are eligible to receive the Letter of Recognition in Early Childhood and the Letter of Recognition in Child Care Preschool Teacher. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Recommended Second Semester | ||
| ECED 105 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECED 205 | Administration of Child Development Centers (Spring) | 3 |
| ECED 215 | Understanding and Guiding the Young Child's Behavior (Spring) | 3 |
| ECED 225 | Language & Literacy Development in Early Childhood (Spring) | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Recommended Third Semester | ||
| EDUC 230 or ECED 110 | Foundations of Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECED 235 | Diversity and Professionalism in Early Childhood Education (Spring) | 3 |
| ECED 145 | Child Health, Safety and Nutrition (Fall) | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Prerequisite: EDUC 230 Foundations of Special Education
Part-time Students
Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.
Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.
Pathway Legend
Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.
Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is typically offered in the specified semester only.