Early Childhood Education, Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education is a one-year certificate that prepares students for entry-level positions as childcare workers, preschool attendants, preschool teacher assistants, and daycare assistants.
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 with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Note that each practicum site may have separate immunization requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 47 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. Twelve (12) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the 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 have the knowledge and skills to:
- Observe, Document, and Assess to Support Young Children and Families
- Use Developmentally Effective Approaches
- Use Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum
- Promote Child Development and Learning
- Build Family and Community Relationships
- Become a Professional
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ECE150 | Introduction and Observation in ECE | 4 |
| ECE225 | Infant & Toddler Development | 3 |
| MTH65 | Beginning Algebra 2 | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| WR121A | Corequisite Support for WR121Z | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| ECE151 | Guidance and Classroom Management | 3 |
| ECE163 | Environments and Guidance in ECE 1 | 3 |
| ECE163B | Practicum I ECE 1 | 2 |
| ECE230 | Scientific Exploration In Early Childhood | 3 |
| ED240 | Child Development | 3 |
| ED258 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ECE130 | Social Emotional Learning in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECE154 | Children's Language and Lit Dev | 3 |
| ECE209 | Theory and Practice I Pre-K 1 | 3 |
| ECE209B | Practicum II Pre-K 1 | 2 |
| ECE222 | Family Relations | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 47 | |