Early Childhood Education - Early Intervention A.A.S. (ECI)

*This is an overview of the program. The course sequencing is meant to serve as a guideline for your semester planning. Please note that the scheduling of courses, program sequencing and curriculum are subject to change.*

Prepares graduates for careers in early childhood/child care settings with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Graduates will be prepared in early intervention to work with children aged birth-five years who are developing typically as well as with young children with developmental delays/disabilities.

Early Childhood Education Program Manual 2011-2012

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • know patterns of child growth and development and theories of learning.

  • use knowledge of family culture and different family structures to work in the collaborative relationships.

  • plan, adapt, and implement curriculum experiences based on developmentally appropriate practices.

  • plan, adapt, and implement a healthy and safe environment that supports children’s growth and development.

  • know and use ethical professional behaviors and regulations to advocate for children, families, and colleagues.

First Semester   Credits
ECE 110 Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 120*
or ECE 125*		 Children’s Growth and Development
Education and Care of Infants and Toddlers		 3
EDU 105
or ECE 200		 Introduction to Special Education
Young Children With Special Needs		 3
ENG 105 College English I 3
PSY 140 Introduction to Psychology 3
  Semester Total 15
     
Second Semester    
ECE 130* Integrating the Arts and Play in Early Childhood 3
ECE 140* Observation and Recording Techniques 3
ENG 106 College English II 3
SED 205 Assistive Technology for Children with Exceptionalities 3
Elective Mathematics/Science 3-5
  Semester Total 15-17
     
Third Semester    
ECE 210* Integrating Curriculum in Early Childhood 3
ECE 215* Language and Literacy 3
ECI 240 Strategies for Teaching Infants and Toddlers with
Special Needs		 3
PSY 242 Child Development 3
Elective Mathematics/Science 3-4
ECI 115 Family-Centered Early Intervention Field Experience 1
  Semester Total 16-18
     
Fourth Semester    
ECE 220+ Internship 6
EDU 210 Behavior Management and Guidance Practices 3
ECI 230 Principles of Family-Centered Early Intervention 3
Elective General Education 3
  Semester Total 15
  Credit Total 61-65

Recommended electives:

General Education: ASL 101; ENG 111; SPN 101.
Mathematics/Science: BIO 101, 124; PHY 101; MAT 105, 118.

Students interested in Teacher Certification should consult with an advisor or counselor and select their electives carefully in accordance with the general education and/or pre-professional requirements at the four-year college or university to which they intend to transfer. The following courses are highly recommended for students intending to transfer: MAT 125, EDU 105.

Recommendations:

*Child Care Lab (30 hours per designated course)—Field Experience (40 hours)—field experiences and observations in urban, rural, and high poverty areas at a variety of inclusive child care centers, intermediate units, agency-based facilities, and other early intervention settings serving infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, physical exam, and TB screening test required for Child Care Lab courses.

+ Student Teaching (280 practicum hours) in a classroom setting with young children.

All students must complete or test out of MAT 100 since MAT 100 does not fulfill a Mathematics requirement.