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Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma

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Program Description:

The Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma Program prepares you for careers in early childhood care and related fields. If you enjoy being and working with children, this program provides you the chance to enter the job market with a credential indicating that you have received accredited and professional training.

The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. The program will prepare you for employment as a pre-school teacher and paraprofessional in public or private schools. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Career Information and Occupational Outlook:

Program Admission Requirements

  1. Present official documentation of an earned high school diploma or official GED scores.
  2. Be at least 16 years old.
  3. Present appropriate test scores, or present an official transcript documenting college-level English and mathematics with grades of "C" or better.
  4. Apply for a criminal record check, and present official documentation of a TB test.

Curriculum Outline:

General Core Courses (13 Credit Hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
EMP 100AInterpersonal Relations and Professional Development 2
ENG 101English5
MAT 101General Mathematics5
EMP 100BInterpersonal Relations and Professional Development 1

Fundamental Occupational Courses (27/31 Credit Hours)


CourseTitleCredit Hours
SCT 100Introduction to Microcomputers3
ECE 101Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education5
ECE 103Human Growth and Development 5
ECE 105Health, Safety, and Nutrition5
ECE 112Curriculum Development3
ECE 121Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum I or 3
 Program Elective(5)
ECE 122Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum II or 3
 Program Elective(5)

Specific Occupational Courses (33 Credit Hours)

CourseTitleCredit Hours
ECE 113Art for Children3
ECE 114Music and Movement3
ECE 115Language Arts and Literature5
ECE 116Math and Science5
ECE 202Social Issues and Family Involvement5
ECE 224Early Childhood Care and Education Internship12
Completion of Work Ready Assessment

The content of this page does not constitute a contract between Columbus Technical College and its students on either a collective or individual basis. Course curriculum, fee changes, or additional unforeseen changes may occur after publication. Course offerings are contingent upon adequate enrollments. Please contact the school offering the program for the most current information. Academic advising is available to students prior to registration; this information is not a substitute for consulting with an academic advisor.

Last updated: July 18, 2008.