Childhood Development - Early Childhood - Mountain Empire Community College

Purpose

The Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Early Childhood Development is a 16-semester hour program designed as an introduction to the field. The curriculum is designed to provide entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety, and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professional development curriculum. Additionally, this program provides the necessary CPR training for young children desired by many employment agencies.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children
Create positive ways to build self-esteem in children and to help them develop self-control.

Program Requirements

The Code of Virginia restricts who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children. In addition, some child care facilities and schools may require proof of specific vaccinations and health related tests for students to complete their supervised workplace experiences

Employment Opportunities

Upon completion of the Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into Early Childhood Educational facilities such as, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and preschool programs. Graduates will also be equipped to apply for a minimum of two Early Childhood Endorsements from the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

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