Early Childhood Education: Emphasis on Children with Special Needs

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TCC’s Early Childhood Education: Emphasis on Children with Special Needs program is structured as progressive leading to two levels of achievement with a certificate and an Associate in Applied Science degree, for increasing levels of job responsibility. This program is designed to develop skills needed to be a successful early childhood professional and is directed toward students planning to work with young children, birth through eight years of age, including those who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Employment opportunities are in a variety of settings including preschools, childcare centers, family childcare, HeadStart/ECEAP programs, kindergarten through third grade classrooms (as a teacher assistant), and/or other early learning programs. NOTE: The practicum and field experience require a criminal background check prior to enrollment.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the ECE certificate or AAS degree, students will:

• Use their understanding of young children’s characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on children’s development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child.
• Create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families, and to involve all families in their child’s development and learning.
• Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child.
• Implement a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child’s development and learning.
• Use their own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every child.
• Use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice; demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective and critical perspectives on their work and are informed advocates for sound practices and policies.