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Program Map

Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science Degree

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students to work with young children from birth through 8 years of age and their families in a variety of settings including child care centers, family child care, preschools, Head Start, school age programs, home visiting, and parent education. It is planned to accommodate both full- and part-time students including those currently employed in the field.

The ECE program has as its basis preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students may choose to complete the CDA assessment process and be eligible for entry-level jobs at that point. The CDA preparation courses serve as the foundation of the core coursework for the Early Childhood Education certificate, a one-year certificate which prepares students to work as teacher assistants or teachers in child care programs, Head Start, or other early childhood settings.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education is based on the Guidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is a comprehensive program that incorporates the core coursework for the ECE certificate and qualifies a student to become a head teacher in a child care facility licensed by the Oregon Child Care Division, a teacher in Head Start, or a home visitor, among other professional roles. Students will have a choice of specialty areas: infant/toddler, preschool, or family child care, and will complete 240 supervised practicum hours as part of the curriculum. Some courses in the program may not transfer to other institutions. Students intending to transfer should seek advisor assistance to determine transferability.

For the corresponding relationship of the Early Childhood Education coursework to the Oregon Registry: visit Pathways to Professional Recognition in Childhood Care and Education, and click on Rogue Community College.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science are:

• Implement strategies that promote child development for ages birth through age 8 across developmental domains relevant to the child’s relational and cultural environments.
  
• Apply strategies that build and sustain family and community partnerships, reflecting the complex characteristics of children’s families and communities to support successful early childhood outcomes
  
• Implement developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching practices for children ages birth through age 8.
  
• Apply different observation methods to inform instruction and planning reflective of children’s developmental, cultural, and linguistic needs.
  
• Identify and conduct one's self as a member of the early childhood field.
  
• Use academic content knowledge to build developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes positive outcomes for each child.
  

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Students are also required to provide information regarding their measles immunization status by completing the form found on the RCC Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department website and clicking on ECEE Department Requirements. Completed forms must be submitted to a department secretary.

Students must also obtain an RCC student identification card. RCC photos will be taken on a scheduled basis through Student Affairs. Contact Student Affairs for more information. Students should take their schedules to obtain an identification card. Take the identification card each time an observation is scheduled in an early childhood setting.

Many courses in this department require participation in community schools, programs, and agencies for observation and practicum experiences. Some of these sites may require a background check in order for a student to participate. Future employment serving children and families will require a background check. Students may wish to consider going through a background check process to be ready for potential observation, practicum, and employment experiences – check with an ECEE advisor for additional information.

For some classes, early childhood education students are required to use the Redwood Early Childhood Center, which is a Head Start site. Therefore, all students in the Early Childhood Education program must obtain prior clearance from Head Start. The process for doing this is on the Southern Oregon Head Start website. Click on “Volunteer” and then on “Download Volunteer Packet.” Required paperwork must be completed before observing or participating at a Head Start site.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college registration policies and the Early Childhood Education Department chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Each College Now credit student must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

Credits earned in the successful completion of Career Pathway Certificates can be applied to other certificates and degrees in the Career Pathway. For more information, speak to a program advisor.

Graduation Requirements

Students completing the required credits in this program with a grade of “C” or better will receive their degrees. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade. Three hundred (300) hours of supervised practicum are required unless a waiver is granted for approved activities.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher-level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

¹ Approved Computer Information Science or Computer Science course, CIS120/CS120 or above, or documented computer proficiency within the past ten years.

For more information, contact the Early Childhood Elementary Education Department.

Early Childhood Elementary Education Department faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: [email protected]
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/ecee
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