Early Childhood Teacher Certificate - Academic Plan

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Total Credits = 18

Want to make a difference in a young child’s life? Consider the field of Early Childhood Education. Research supports the importance of high quality, early childhood programs which impact children’s development throughout their school years and on into adult life. One of the most important influences is the teacher. Arapahoe Community College and the Early Childhood Education program faculty are committed to prepare professionals to work with young children, birth through age 8, in a variety of settings. The Early Childhood Teacher Certificate will prepare students for early childhood teacher positions in early childhood care and education settings. Upon completion of these classes, you will have met academic requirements as an Early Childhood Teacher. In addition to the academic requirements, the Colorado Department of Human Services requires at least 3 months (455 hours) of verifiable work experience. All Early Childhood and general education coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Recommendations

Where requirements are listed as course categories (e.g. Electives, Arts/Humanities) rather than as specific courses, please note that depending upon course choice, prerequisites may be required.

*Grade C or better required

Required Course	Prerequisite, Corequisite, or Recommendation
ECE 1045 - Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques	Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education and ECE 1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young Children
ECE 1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young Children	Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE 2621 - Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques	Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education and ECE 2381 - Child Growth and Development
ECE 2381 - Child Growth and Development	Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE 2601 - The Exceptional Child OR ECE 2051 - Nutrition, Health and Safety OR ECE 1111 - Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice	Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education and ECE 2381 - Child Growth and Development OR Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education OR Prerequisite / Corequisite: ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Recommended Course Sequence (Full-Time Track)

Year 1: Fall

ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 Credits
ECE 1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young Children 3 Credits
ECE 2621 - Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques 3 Credits

Year 1: Spring

ECE 1045 - Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques 3 Credits
ECE 2381 - Child Growth and Development 3 Credits

ECE Elective Course

Choose from one of the following ECE courses.

ECE 1111 - Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice 3 Credits
ECE 2051 - Nutrition, Health and Safety 3 Credits
ECE 2601 - The Exceptional Child 3 Credits

Recommended Course Sequence (Part-Time Track)

Year 1: Fall

ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 Credits
ECE 1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young Children 3 Credits

Year 1: Spring

ECE 2381 - Child Growth and Development 3 Credits

ECE Elective Course

Choose from one of the following ECE courses.

ECE 1111 - Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice 3 Credits
ECE 2051 - Nutrition, Health and Safety 3 Credits
ECE 2601 - The Exceptional Child 3 Credits

Year 2: Fall

ECE 1045 - Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques 3 Credits
ECE 2621 - Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques 3 Credits

Notes

Course availability is subject to change.
ECE 1111 and ECE 2601 are only available in an online format during the Fall term.
In addition to the academic requirements, the Colorado Department of Human Services requires at least 3 months (455 hours) of verifiable work experience.
Recommended courses may be listed above for certain electives; consult with the Academic Advising Office (advising@arapahoe.edu or 303.797.5664) for additional elective recommendations.
Refer to 2024/2025 catalog for specific requirements and important information about this certificate.
Students pursuing this certificate MUST complete and pass a background check. Go to cccs.castlebranch.com and complete the background check with Castle Branch.
*This course requires college level readiness as measured by Accuplacer, ACT, or SAT scores; approved high school course work that is less than five years old; or successful completion of appropriate college-readiness course.
ECE 1045 , ECE 2051 , and ECE 2381 are only available in an online format during the Spring term.