The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments.  Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children.  Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings.  Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, and Head Start Programs.

This program is designed for students who intend to transfer to UNC-Charlotte, Catawba College and Livingstone College in the Birth-Kindergarten teaching license program. Students who successfully complete this course of study and who meet the requirements for admission to UNC-Charlotte, Catawba College or Livingstone College are eligible to apply for admission to the major with junior standing.

Requirements are:

• A.A.S. in Early Childhood Associate (A55220TR)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Passing scores on all three Praxis I exams (Reading, Writing, Mathematics).  For information and registration for PRAXIS, contact www.etc.org/praxis or a counselor in Student Services.
• Grade of C or higher on EDU 119 and EDU 221