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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
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
Test Reading Writing Numerical Algebra ASSET 38 35 35 COMPASS 70 23 26 SAT 430 400 ACT 18 16 CPE 75 75 75
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 I | 5 |
| MAT 1012* | Foundations of Mathematics | 5 |
| OCCUPATIONAL COURSES | 57 | |
| ECE 101* | Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education | 5 |
| ECE 103* | Human Growth and Development I | 5 |
| ECE 105* | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 5 |
| ECE 112* | Curriculum Development | 3 |
| ECE 113* | Art for Children | 3 |
| ECE 114* | Music and Movement | 3 |
| ECE 115* | Language Arts and Literature | 5 |
| ECE 116* | Math and Science | 5 |
| ECE 121* | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum I | 3 |
| ECE 122* | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum II | 3 |
| -OR- | ||
| ECE xxx* | Elective | 3-5 |
| ECE 202* | Social Issues and Family Involvement | 5 |
| ECE 224* | Early Childhood Care and Education Internship | 12 |
| FUNDAMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL COURSES | 3 | |
| 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.



