Infant-Toddler Specialist
Certificate of Recognition
Background Information
Infant-Toddler Specialists work with young children from birth to age 3 in a variety of early care and education programs. Child care for infants and toddlers is available in family child care homes, profit or non-profit child care centers sponsored by community organizations and agencies such as churches, colleges, high schools, and military bases. Education for infants/toddlers and their parents is also provided by early intervention programs, Early Head Start, community and technical college parent education cooperatives or other special programs. It is the responsibility of specialists to both nurture and provide developmentally appropriate education for these youngest children. They prepare the learning environment as an integral part of planning and implementing curriculum. The primary role of the specialist is to build relationships with the child and the child's family members. Working with the families is as important to the specialist as working with the children. The specialist recognizes and honors the culture and needs of the families in all aspects of the program. It is necessary to have specialized training to effectively work with infants and toddlers. (Adapted from: Washington State Skill Standards for the Early Childhood Professions: Infant-Toddler Specialist, State of Washington through the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 2000, p. 7.) Program is based on Washington State Skill Standards for Early Childhood and School-Age Care Professions.
Not all courses listed are offered every quarter. Please see an appropriate faculty advisor or Division Dean for course sequence and schedule details. A faculty advisor must approve the program for degree/certificate completion.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, successful students will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:
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.
ADVISOR OFFICE PHONE
Dilling, Gayle Health Occupations 138 360-475-7289
REQUIRED COURSES CREDITS
ECE 163 Infant/Toddler Caregiving, Curriculum________ 3
ECE 184 Health, Safety and Nutrition_________________ 3
ECE 185 Guidance and Leadership______________________ 3
ECE 210 Family School and Community Relations________ 3
ECE 250 Infant-Toddler Internship Seminar*___________ 1
ECE 251 Infant-Toddler Internship*___________________ 3
ECE 263 Relationship Focused Care, Birth-3*__________ 3
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED ____________________________ 19
* See course description for prerequisite.
Source: 2007-2008 Olympic College Catalog |