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Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma Program

The Early Childhood Care and Education diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in child care and related fields such as child care centers, family day care homes, group child care, headstart programs, preschool programs, before and after school programs, and in-home care. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and educational theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education diploma and are qualified to be an early childhood care and education provider.

The Early Childhood Care and Education diploma is a program with a planned sequence designed to be completed in consecutive quarters. The ECCE program adheres to the Technical College System of Georgia Program Standards utilizing off-campus, community-based internship sites. Students must have their own reliable transportation.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Child care centers, family care homes, group child care homes, headstart programs, preschool programs, before and after school programs, and in-home care provide employment opportunities for graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education Program.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CURRICULUM

The standard curriculum for the Early Childhood Care and Education program is designed for the quarter system. Students are accepted into the program during the Fall and Spring quarters in Vidalia, and Summer and Winter quarters in Glennville. Students can enter any quarter and begin the core classes. The program generally takes 4 quarters to complete. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 73 credit hours.

CURRICULUM OUTLINE CREDITS
GENERAL CORE COURSES 13
EMP 1000* Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development (OL)3
ENG 1010* Fundamentals of English I5
MAT 1012* Foundations of Mathematics5
OCCUPATIONAL COURSES57
ECE 101* Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education5
ECE 103* Human Growth and Development I5
ECE 105* Health, Safety, and Nutrition5
ECE 112* Curriculum Development3
ECE 113* Art for Children3
ECE 114* Music and Movement3
ECE 115* Language Arts and Literature5
ECE 116* Math and Science5
ECE 121* Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum I3
ECE 122* Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum II3
-OR-
ECE xxx* Elective3-5
ECE 202* Social Issues and Family Involvement5
ECE 224* Early Childhood Care and Education Internship12
FUNDAMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL COURSES3
SCT 100* Introduction to Microcomputers (OL)3

* "C" or higher is required for designated courses.

(OL) designation indicates course is available online in selected quarters.

Students must have a satisfactory Criminal Records Check before placement in a practicum or internship setting, which is a requirement for graduation. If a student is dismissed from an internship or practicum site, a grade of “F” will be assigned for the course and the student will have to complete the practicum or internship the next quarter at a site assigned by the instructor.

PROGRAM COSTS

(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)

Tuition/Fees: $2,052

Books/Supplies: $1,100

Lab Jacket: (Optional)

Criminal Background Check: $25

Hepatitis B Vaccination (Optional): Approximately $260
Note—Some internship/practicum sites may require students to get the Hepatitis B Vaccination. Students are responsible for the cost of the vaccine if it is required.