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, Head Start Programs, and school age programs.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Gaston College graduates receiving an associate of applied science degree in Early Childhood will be able to:
Standard 1: Promote Child Development and Learning
1a. Know and understand young children’s characteristics and needs
1b. Know and understand the multiple influences on development and learning.
1c. Use developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.
Standard 2: Build Family and Community Relationships
2a. Support and empower families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships
2b. Support and empower families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
2c. Involve families and communities in their children’s development and learning.
Standard 3: Observe, Document, and Assess to Support Young Children and Families
3a. Understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
3b. Know about and use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
3c. Understand and practice responsible assessment.
3d. Know about assessment partnerships with families and other professionals.
Standard 4: Teach and Learn
4a. Connect with children and families
4b. Use developmentally effective approaches
4c. Understand content knowledge in early education
Standard 5: Become a Professional
5a. Identify and involve oneself with early childhood field.
5b. Know about and uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines.
5c. Engage in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice.
5d. Integrate knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education.
5e. Engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession.
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