Student Catalog and Handbook 2023-2024

Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma (ECC2)

The Early Childhood Care and Education diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application, as well as limited basic skills competencies necessary for successful employment.

NOTE: To be employed in a child care center licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, an individual must first complete a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination of the following: National fingerprint-based criminal history check; Georgia Child Abuse Registry; National Sex Offender Registry; and a State fingerprint-based criminal history records check and State child abuse registry for every U.S. territory, tribal land, or state in which the person has resided in the past five (5) years. Students must have a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination from the above list in order to complete program requirements. The cost of these record checks is at the student's expense and must be completed before participation in a practicum or internship, whether completing practicum or internship at a licensed Georgia child care center, private child care or public school.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings. Graduates may find employment as private preschool teachers, household childcare workers, self-employed childcare providers, or Head Start assistants. (Bright from the Start recognizes this degree as equivalent to or greater than a CDA for employment.)

Credit Required for Graduation: Minimum of 53 credit hours

Curriculum

Basic Skills Courses

EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development

2

ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I

3

MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics

3

Occupational Courses

COMP 1000Introduction to Computer Literacy

3

ECCE 1101Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education

3

ECCE 1103Child Growth and Development

3

ECCE 1105Health, Safety and Nutrition

3

ECCE 1112Curriculum and Assessment

3

ECCE 1113Creative Activities for Children

3

ECCE 1121Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum

3

ECCE 2115Language and Literacy

3

ECCE 2116Math and Science

3

ECCE 2202Social Issues and Family Involvement

3

ECCE 2203Guidance and Classroom Management

3

-and-

Choose one of the following options

Specific Occupational Courses (Option 1 - 12 credits)

ECCE 2245Early Childhood Care and Education Internship I

6

ECCE 2246Early Childhood Care and Education Internship II

6

Specific Occupational Courses (Option 2 - 12 credits)

ECCE 2201Exceptionalities

3

ECCE 2245Early Childhood Care and Education Internship I

6

-and-

Occupational Electives (3 credits from the list below)

ECCE 2310Paraprofessional Methods and Materials

3

ECCE 2312Paraprofessional Roles and Practices

3

ECCE 2320Program Administration and Facility Management

3

ECCE 2322Personnel Management

3

ECCE 2330Infant/Toddler Development

3

ECCE 2332Infant/Toddler Group Care and Curriculum

3