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.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math 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 complete an approved course in 'Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.' 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.

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:

• Understand child development, family systems, and parent-child relations
• Work with diverse populations in an educational setting
• Apply the firm foundational knowledge necessary to be a prepared and effective parenting education facilitator or home visitor
• Develop a personal professional development plan related to career development as a parent facilitator and/or home visitor

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
HDFS225	Prenatal Infant and Toddler Development	3
ECE150	Introduction and Observation in ECE	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

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A criminal background check and fingerprinting is required for all practicum courses.