Program Description
The Early Childhood Care and Education associate of applied science degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates of this program will receive one of five areas of specialization: exceptionalities, infant/toddler, program administration, paraprofessional/school age, or family child care.
Program Approval
The Early Childhood Care and Education program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
External Standards
Though not an external accrediting agency, Bright from the Start (BFTS) determines and approves the credentials of childcare workers in Georgia. TCSG works closely with BFTS to make sure its programs meet the training needs required for approved credentials of early childcare teachers and professionals. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Students should check with the college and employers for details. The Early Childhood Care and Education, Degree program must conform to the institutional accreditation requirements of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (COC). To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Students should check with the college and employers for details.
Admission Requirements
| Minimum Required Age |
16
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| High School Diploma or GED Required |
Yes |
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| Placement Scores for Regular Admission (Next Gen Accuplacer) |
English |
Reading |
Math |
Algebra |
| |
249 |
236 |
N/A |
245 |
Other Conditions for Admission
Criminal background checks and drug screens may be required based on the requirements for participation on clinical experiences.
Location(s)
Jesup
Waycross
General Education Core (Required minimum: 18 Semester hours)
Area I - Language Arts/Communications (6 hrs)
| ENGL 1101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| Language Arts/Communications Elective 3 | |
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 hrs)
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 hrs)
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts (3 hrs)
Specific General Education Core Elective (3 hrs)
One course from Area I, II, III, or IV
Occupational Courses
Paraprofessional Specialization
| ECCE 2310 | Paraprofessional Methods & Materials | 3 |
| ECCE 2312 | Paraprofessional Roles & Practices | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 72