NMC Code 321

This program prepares students for the challenges of the ever-changing world of early care and education. Specialized courses and liberal arts studies provide students with a foundation needed to pursue careers in early childhood education, childcare, and preschool education. The order in which courses are taken is not critical except where prerequisites are involved. Course substitutions may be made only with the approval of the program coordinator or the academic area chair.

Students planning to pursue a four-year degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the school of choice for their bachelor’s degree.

Major Requirements

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
General Education Requirements
ENG 111	English Composition	4
ENG 112	English Composition	4
ENG 210	Children's Literature	3
Math Competency 1
Any Group 1 Science course with a lab		4
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	3
Occupational Specialty Requirements
ECE 101	Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 202	Human Development and Learning	5
ECE 203	Curriculum for Child Guidance	4
ECE 204	Early Childhood Curriculum	4
ECE 206	Infant Toddler Care Curriculum	4
ECE 220	Early Education Administration	3
ECE 230	Early Literacy and Learning	3
ECE 240	Integrated Arts in Curriculum	3
EDU 212	Educating Exceptional Children	3
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 211	Marriage and the Family	3
ECE 290A, ECE 290B, or ECE 290C Early Ed Practicum 2		4
Total Credits		60

¹

Math Competency may be fulfilled by completing MTH 100 Quantitative Literacy with a grade of 2.0 or better, or placement into any math course higher than MTH 100.

²

Up to 4 credits of Early Education practicum hours in infant/toddler and preschool settings which can be taken any semester.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Credits
ECE 101	Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 206	Infant Toddler Care Curriculum 1	4
ENG 111	English Composition	4
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
MTH 100	Quantitative Literacy	4
	Credits	18
Spring
ECE 202	Human Development and Learning	5
ECE 203	Curriculum for Child Guidance 1	4
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	3
ENG 112	English Composition	4
	Credits	16
Year 2
Fall
ECE 204	Early Childhood Curriculum 1	4
ECE 220	Early Education Administration	3
ENG 210	Children's Literature 3	3
Group 1 Science w/ Lab		4
	Credits	14
Spring
ECE 230	Early Literacy and Learning	3
EDU 212	Educating Exceptional Children	3
ECE 240	Integrated Arts in Curriculum	3
SOC 211	Marriage and the Family	3
ECE 290A, ECE 290B, or ECE 290C Early Ed Practicum 4		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	64

¹

Includes practicum hours with early childhood lab experience (required by most schools that have an early childhood program). Students can complete hours at their place of employment if it meets the placement requirements. Placements are arranged through the Early Childhood Education Coordinator. 

²

Math Competency may be fulfilled by completing MTH 100 Quantitative Literacy with a grade of 2.0 or better, or placement into any math course higher than MTH 100

³

Meets Cultural Diversity requirement.

⁴

Up to 4 credits in Early Education practicum in infant/toddler and preschool settings.