Approximately 65 percent of all preschool age children in this country need child care, indicating the need for well-trained personnel in early care and education to provide quality care at an affordable price.
The Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program of professional studies provides theoretical and practical experiences for preparation to work as an early childhood teacher, a professional who independently implements program activities and who may be responsible for the care and education of young children. Students have the opportunity to gain a wide range of experience as they participate in a 300-hour practicum in our nationally-accredited child care center.
The curriculum prepares graduates for NH certification as directors, as lead teachers and associate teachers in child care centers, nursery schools and private kindergartens, and as educational assistants in public schools. The Associate Degree with a major in Early Childhood Education is awarded upon successful completion of this program. Graduates of the Certificate program exceed New Hampshire standards for employment as a child care teacher.
The college must ensure that patients,clients, and children are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in practica, service learning, and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties, and changing circumstances that characterize patient/client/child care responsibilities. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees and customers as well as with patients,clients, and children and their families.
Candidates for positions and careers in early childhood education are encouraged to explore health requirements associated with employment in child care, preschool and related settings for young children. Prospective students with special needs requiring accommodations that may affect their practicum placement and/or potential employment prospects are advised to discuss specific career goals with the department head during the admissions process.
The health and safety of young children is of paramount concern to the Department of Education and Health Services. Applicants for positions in childcare, preschools, and many other childhood programs in New Hampshire should be aware that background checks through the New Hampshire Department of Safety must be completed by potential employers prior to employment. Applicants who have been in difficulty with the law, depending on the nature of the problem, may not be employable or even eligible for the practicum.
Students must submit a health record, including immunizations, and provide proof of liability insurance (available to matriculated students through the college) and be CPR and First Aid certified.
| Fall Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| ECE111 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE114 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE116* | Infant/Toddler Development | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OR | ||||
| ECE118 | Infant Toddler Curriculum | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE216 | Understanding Young Children's Special Needs | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG120 | College Composition | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Totals | 15 | 0 | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
| ECE112* | Child Growth and Development | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE113 | Early Childhood Education Practicum I | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| ECE117 | Learning Environments | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG214 | Children's Language and Literature | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Totals | 11 | 6 | 13 | |
| Lec | Lab | Cr | ||
| ECE112 | Child Growth and Development* | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OR | ||||
| ECE116 | Infant/Toddler Development* | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| OR | ||||
| ECE118 | Infant Toddler Curriculum* | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| And Three of the following: | ||||
| ECE111 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE114 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ECE117 | Learning Environments | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG214 | Children's Language and Literature | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total for Certificate = 12 | ||||
