Early Childhood Care and Education Basics- TCC
Program Description
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Basic TCC includes three basic Early Childhood and Care Education courses that are needed for entry level workers. The program provides an introductory course to the ECCE field, a child growth and development course, and health, safety, and nutrition course. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, and Georgia Pre-K programs. Bright from the Start (BFTS), the regulatory agency in Georgia, requires the basic knowledge included in this TCC for a person to be a lead teacher in a child care center and family day care center.
Occupational Trends
In the State of Georgia, 66% of our workforce has children under the age of six and approximately 35,000 families are receiving Child Care assistance funding (www.childrensdefense.org). Across the state there are approximately 400 Licensed Child Care Centers (www.decal.org). In addition DECAL has the goal of increasing the number of accredited centers by 10% by the year 2012 (approximately 40 centers) and is working to increase the education requirements of child care professionals. Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (BFTS) is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. This agency oversees a wide range of programs focused primarily on children ages birth to school age and their families. These programs include administering Georgia's Pre-K program; licensing and monitoring all center-based and home-based child care facilities (approximately 10,000); overseeing the federal Child and Adult Care Food program and the Summer Food Service program; maintaining the Standards of Care Program and Family Homes of Quality to help child care providers enhance the quality of their programs; housing the head start state collaboration office; and providing technical assistance, training and support to families and child care providers who care for children with special needs. ECCE will continue to see an increase in training and higher standards for early childcare professionals, increased documentation, and an increase in the need for childcare. Graduates will be able to obtain jobs as teacher assistants, early child care professionals, preschool and kindergarten teachers(private sectors), head start teachers, child care program administrators, and child care center directors. Jobs in the Early Childhood Care and Education field are increasing because requirements for childcare professionals are increasing and because more women with children continue to work outside the home.
Job/Career Description
Graduates will be able to obtain jobs as teacher assistants, early child care professionals, preschool and kindergarten teachers, head start teachers, child care program administrators, and child care center directors. Jobs in the Early Childhood Care and Education field are increasing because requirements for childcare professionals are increasing and because more women with children continue to work outside the home. Employees in this field will be able to plan and implement safe and healthy learning environments and develop and execute activities that advance children's physical and intellectual development based on principles of child growth and development. Employees will support children's social and emotional development, establish productive relationships with families, and effectively manage a childcare area or program. Early child care professionals may begin the day by meeting children as they arrive at the center and removing or helping to remove and hang up the child's coat. They organize and participate in group activities such as games and supervise individual activities, such as finger painting. When parents pick up their children, early child care professionals talk to them about what happened that day. The entire day is a learning opportunity for young children. Thus, even a simple activity such as coloring can be used to teach sharing skills and social skills while developing the child physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Admissions Requirements
Must be 16 years of age
Completion of high school diploma or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply
Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math
Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.
Curriculum
Program Outcomes
1. Identify and understand professional codes and ethical conduct appropriate in Early Childhood Care and Education
2. Identify and apply individual and group guidance and problem solving techniques which encourage and teach positive social skills and interaction among children
3. Develop appropriate curricula, instructional practices, and assessment strategies for early childhood care and education programs
4. Identify, practice, and promote a well-organized, developmentally appropriate learning environment and life skills
5. Identify and practice a safe physical, psychological, and healthy learning environment that promotes development, learning, cultural diversity, and inclusion.
External Standards
1. Though not an external accrediting agency, Bright From The Start (BFTS) determines and approves the credentials of childcare workers in Georgia. TCSG works closely with BFTS to make sure its programs meet the training needs required for approved credentials of early childcare teachers and professionals. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Students should check with the college and employers for details. The Early Childhood Care And Education, Degree program must conform to the institutional accreditation requirements of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (COC).
2. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Students should check with the college and employers for details.
3. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Students should check with the college and employers for details. The Early Childhood Care And Education, Degree program must conform to the institutional accreditation requirements of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (COC).
Requirements List
Program Length= 1 semester
Total Credit Hours= 10
Program Cost= $1942