This program provides students with an understanding of child development, family systems, parent-child relations, and working with diverse populations in an educational setting.  The program builds the firm foundational knowledge necessary to be a prepared and effective parenting education facilitator and/or home visitor.

Click here to learn how this Career Pathway Certificate can lead to an AAS in Childhood Education and Family Studies. 

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin in courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.

Parenting Educator and Early Childhood Home Visitor students are required to maintain a current background check and complete an approved course in 'Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.' The requirements will vary per state. Students whose home state is not Oregon, are encouraged to research the requirements for the state regulating organization regarding what will be required to complete the background check. 

In Oregon, students must be listed on the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR).  To begin this process, visit the State of Oregon Early Learning Division to be prepared to complete practicum work in a certified early learning center, apply for your background check, and receive additional information regarding how to comply with  fingerprinting requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Career Pathway Certificate of Completion is awarded.

Courses that are developmental in nature, (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses), are not applicable to this degree.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning options are available for students with a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Step Seven on the Oregon Registry, or a Certificate of Completion for First Connections that includes mentoring in an infant toddler learning environment. Contact ece@socc.edu for more information.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Articulate an understanding of child development, family systems, parent-child relations, and working with diverse populations in an educational setting as the firm foundational knowledge necessary to be a prepared and effective parenting education facilitator or home visitor.
• Articulate how curriculum for parenting education is developed and facilitated based on child development, family systems, parent-child relations and working with diverse populations.
• Articulate how home visitors in early childhood and family programs base their work on child development, family systems, parent-child relations and working with diverse populations.
• Develop a personal professional development plan related to career development as a parent facilitator and/or home visitor.

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CIS90	Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency)	2
WR90R	Academic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)	4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
HDFS225	Prenatal Infant and Toddler Development	3
ECE150	Introduction and Observation in ECE 1	4
	Credits	7
Winter
ED258	Multicultural Education	3
HDFS140	Contemporary American Families	3
HDFS227	Parents as Partners in Education	3
HDFS247	Child Development 0-8	3
	Credits	12
Spring
HDFS222	Understanding Families: Supporting Diversity Disability and Risk	3
HDFS229	Child Development PreK - Adolescent	3
HDFS297	Parenting Ed and Early Childhood Home Visitor Capstone	2
ECE180HV	Internship: ECE Home Visitor	3
	Credits	11
	Total Credits	30

1	A criminal background check and fingerprinting is required for this course and all Childhood Education and Family Studies practicum courses.