Early Childhood Education Overview Outcomes Student Teaching Mission Provides a strong background in early childhood education and liberal arts. The curriculum integrates coursework with hands-on exposure to an innovative and progressive curriculum for young children and direct experience in a variety of early childhood settings. With a dedicated Early Childhood Education Lab classroom and transfer pathway to a bachelor's degree, GCC is the place to start or advance your career in early childhood education and care! What You'll StudyCourse Sequencing ECE Please note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four sequential semesters of World Languages. Transfer specialists recommend using electives to start language requirements at the community college prior to transfer. Curriculum Documents Early Childhood Education (ECE) required courses - from our official academic catalog Degree completion worksheets to track your progress in this program are available from the Registrar's Office. To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled. This is just one way you might complete the Early Childhood Education program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Early Childhood Education program description from our official academic catalog.Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2 EDU 101 EDU 103 EDU 123 ENG Comp. I Natural or Physical Science course (3 credits) EDU 111 EDU 144 ENG Comp. II Natural or Physical Science course (4 credits) PSY 101 EDU 201 EDU 215 ENG 241 Humanities or Fine Arts course (3 credits) Behavior and Social Sciences course (3 credits) EDU 141 EDU 148 EDU 216 MAT 116 Humanities or Fine Arts course (3 credits) Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2EDU 101 ENG Comp. I EDU 144 ENG Comp. II EDU 103 EDU 123 Humanities or Fine Arts course (3 credits) PSY 101 Natural or Physical Science course (3 credits) Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4ENG 241 Humanities or Fine Arts course (3 credits) Behavior and Social Sciences course (3 credits) EDU 111 EDU 141 Natural or Physical Science course (4 credits) EDU 201 EDU 215 EDU 148 EDU 216 MAT 116 Program Learning Outcomes Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to: Child Development and Learning in Context – Early childhood educators are grounded in an understanding of the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 across developmental domains. Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections – Early childhood educators understand that successful early childhood education depends upon educators’ partnerships with the families of the young children they serve. Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment – Early childhood educators understand that the primary purpose of assessments is to inform instruction and planning in early learning settings. Developmentally, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices – Early childhood educators understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children’s ages and characteristics and on the settings in which teaching and learning occur. Knowledge, Application and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum – Early childhood educators have knowledge of the content of the academic disciplines (e.g., language and literacy, the arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and engineering, physical education) and of the pedagogical methods for teaching each discipline. Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator –Early childhood educators identify and participate as members of the early childhood profession Adapted from NAEYC Standards 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7. What's Next Teach and care for children in community-based early childhood settings, working with families and children ages birth, infant-toddler, or pre-school (birth through age 5). This degree prepares students to become eligible for Lead Teacher Certification and prepares students for teaching positions in programs such as: Head Start; Girl’s Club; YMCA; independent state and nationally accredited centers; licensed family day care, etc. To work towards a top-level teaching or leadership position in the field of community-based early education and care, students should plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. A bachelor’s degree prepares for advancement, leadership, and optimal employment opportunities within the field. Note: This type of bachelor’s degree does not prepare students for public school licensure. It is not necessary to take the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) nor complete a secondary major for this pathway. Several 4-year schools offer bachelor's programs in early education and care that support a pathway for employment in community-based settings. UMass Amherst University Without Walls (UWW) offers a bachelor's in Early Care and Education provided fully online. Outcome Measure #1 - Number of Program Completions Number and percentage of program completers for the three most recent academic years Academic Year Program completers % of program completers who were attending full-time (at the time of completion) % of program completers who were attending part-time at the time of completion) 2020-2021 5 60% 40% 2019-2020 3 33% 67% 2018-2019 4 25% 75% Outcome Measure #2 - Program Completion Rate Percentage of full-time candidates completing the program within 150% and 200% of the published timeframe (two years) Academic year in which a fall cohort of full-time candidates enrolled in the program % of those candidates who completed the program in 150% of the published timeframe % of those candidates who completed the program in 100%, 200% (twice) or 300% (3x) of the published timeframe 2017-2018 20% 20% 2016-2017 33% 33% 2015-2016 18% 18% Outcome Measure #3 - Institutional Selected Data Academic Year % of total enrollment by part-time candidates Retention rate among part-time candidates % of total enrollment by full-time candidates Retention rate among full-time candidates FA 2019 cohort 80% 58% 20% 33% FA 2018 cohort 100% 33% 0% N/A FA 2017 cohort 69% 27% 31% 60% The Education Department believes in the centrality of and the right to optimum care and education of all young children. The Early Childhood degree serves as a catalyst for change and betterment at each stage of professional development for those who seek to care for and educate infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The department strives to offer current and research-informed preservice as well as ongoing professional development opportunities via face-to-face courses in both the day and evening as well as online.