Early Childhood Education, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: (ECE-AAS)
Short-Term Certificate: (ECE-SCERT)

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education Program offers a Short-Term Certificate as a Child Development Associate (CDA) and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education. The program at Wayne County Community College District prepares students to work as child care administrators and to be teachers and caregivers in an early childhood settings. The CDA Training program is designed for the childcare worker wishing to become a Child Development Associate (CDA). The CDA credential is independently awarded by the National Council for Professional Recognition to those demonstrating competence in their work with children in early education and childcare programs. Formal training is required for this credential.

Child Development Associate (CDA) - focuses on child development methods and strategies to motivate learning in the six competencies and function areas. Graduates become responsible for the care and education of children up to five years old by creating and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment, guiding behavior, planning curricula, implementing learning activities, and working cooperatively with staff and parents.

* Selected WCCCD courses will transfer to some colleges and universities to meet requirements for an Elementary Education Certification - Early Childhood Endorsement. (See a counselor or academic advisor for more information)

This Program Offers:

• Associate of Applied Science: 62 credit hours
• Short-Term Certificate: 18+ credit hours

Program Goals

• To prepare students with educational and academic skills to compete for professional employment
• To prepare students with practical experiences which are implemented in a child care setting

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of child development theory and its application to Early Care and Education by identifying key developmental theorists and recognizing children’s developmental stages
• Demonstrate competence in facilitating the development of an individual child’s stages of progression that promote physical, cognitive and/or socio-emotional development
• Understand, articulate and practice the regulations governing legal and ethical boundaries of the profession

College Certificate Goals

• To prepare students to meet the requirements to apply for a CDA certification
• To provide students with a foundation in child development theories to examine program philosophy goals, classroom design, teacher/child interaction, curriculum planning and implementation, assessment of the young child, involvement of the family/community and issues of diversity
• To teach students methods of formulation lesson plans that foster children’s personal social, physical, cognitive and creative development
• To teach students elements of designing and assessing a learning environment using teaching strategies based upon child development and learning theories

College Certificate Outcomes

• To prepare students to meet the goals, guidelines and objectives of the National Council for Professional Recognition (CDA) certification
• To prepare students to maintain their current employment as well as to increase employment opportunities

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the program a student must:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Declare program intent on the WCCCD admission application or change program intent at the campus Admission Office
• Fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER^® assessment
• Submit a Program application to the Campus Academic Officer before the ninth week of the fall or spring semesters
• Students must complete and present the following when admitted into the program: CPR Training/Food handler’s card (as needed), Current TB results/Current Immunization Records, Background check (clearance from federal, state and local agencies), and Drug test