Early Childhood Education

Certificates of Recognition

ECE Assistant

The ECE Assistant program exposes Teacher Assistants to key concepts in developmentally appropriate practices in Early Childhood Education. Students receive knowledge on how children learn in 0-8 age group. Upon completion they will be able to recognize a safe, health, and literacy-rich environment for children, and conduct activities that nurture the development of the whole child.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of child development by developing age and individually appropriate activities.
2. State the cause and effect of environment on children’s behavior.
3. Discuss the importance of addressing the “whole child”.
4. Observe and document children’s learning behavior in a classroom setting.
5. Assist in planning appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices in programs serving ages 0-8.
6. Understand the principles of ethical behavior in early childhood settings.

ECE Program Administration

Background Information

Program Outcomes

1. Recognize appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices in programs serving ages 0-11.
2. Foster and mentor teachers to identify and meet individual child needs.
3. Supervise and implement age appropriate curriculum through childcare routines and activities.
4. Demonstrate family support and relationship-building skills with families.
5. Foster and nurture staff growth and professionalism through goal setting activities and performance evaluations.
6. Recognize and honor the culture and needs of families, children, and staff, in all aspects of an Early Childhood Program.
7. Create and maintain a professional team environment.
8. Maintain current knowledge of the field of Early Childhood Education.
9. Participate in community and professional networking.

Family Child Care Management

Family Home Providers serve as business managers and children’s caregivers in home- based businesses. Most providers care for a mixed age range from infants to age 12 on a daily basis; other providers serve a limited age group such as preschoolers or school age children. Some home providers manage the child care business alone; other providers hire one or more staff members to assist in the child-care setting. In managing the home-based business, the provider maintains all records, manages the budget and makes all purchases for the business. In the caregiver role, the providers plan and carry out activities that meet the needs and interests of the children in their care. It is crucial that the caregiver maintains a safe, clean and healthy environment and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Regular communication with families of the children in care on a regular basis is an important role of the provider.

Program Outcomes

1. Implement appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices in family programs serving ages 0-11.
2. Identify and support individual child growth and development.
3. Plan and provide multi-age curriculum through play and daily living experiences.
4. Demonstrate family support and relationship-building skills with families.
5. Administer and maintain a continuing business plan and record-keeping system necessary for family child care management.
6. Recognize and honor the culture and needs of families and children in all aspects of their family program.
7. Identify professional goals and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional and personal growth.

Infant-Toddler Specialist

Background Information

Program Outcomes

1. Implement appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices in programs serving ages 0-3.
2. Identify and meet individual child needs.
3. Plan and provide age appropriate curriculum through normal caregiving routines.
4. Demonstrate family support and relationship-building with families.
5. Foster and nurture attachment while respecting the significance of the family-child relationship.
6. Recognize and honor the culture and needs of families, children, and staff, in all aspects of a program for infants and toddlers.
7. Identify professional goals and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.

*See course description for prerequisite.

Source: 2012-2013 Olympic College Catalog