Education: Early Childhood Studies

Program Description:

The Education: Early Childhood Studies courses at Macomb focus on development (social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language) and the principals of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as they relate to academic disciplines and planning authentic learning opportunities and environments for children ages zero through eight years old.  Emphasis is placed on authentic observation and assessment, curriculum planning, components of quality care, building positive reciprocal relationships with families and maintaining a commitment to professionalism.  Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 2014, Macomb Community College’s Education: Early Childhood program prepares students to work with diverse populations in a variety of roles in early care and education settings.  Students participate in field observations and interactions throughout all levels of courses concluding with their final semester placement teaching in a practicum setting.  Macomb’s foundational undergraduate courses articulate and transfer to many colleges and universities with bachelor’s degree programs in child development, early childhood education, or elementary teaching certification. Students may be eligible for financial aid and or the Michigan T.E.A.C.H. scholarship.

Program Outcomes:

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

1. Communicate their knowledge of child development.

2. Develop respectful and reciprocal relationships with families and the community.

3. Use responsible observation and documentation for authentic assessment of children’s abilities to share with families and guide curriculum.

4. Demonstrate their ability to plan environments and programing that is inclusive and developmentally appropriate for every child.

5.  Apply knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for each and every young child.

6. Engage in continual professional development and become advocates for children, families, colleagues and the profession.

7. Participate in field experiences in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth-age 3, 3-5, 5-8).

Requirements & Specific Information:

Students are required to have a criminal background check, DHS clearance, and a physical with a TB test before beginning observations or practicum experiences. Student health care is not provided by the college or observation or practicum site.

Accreditation:

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Education: Early Childhood Studies Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 1313 L St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005, 202.232.8777, www.naeyc.org.

Career Opportunities:

Education: Early Childhood Studies-Associate of Applied Science: Job titles such as  Childcare Center Director and/or Owner, Preschool Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Child Caregiver,  Teacher 1 - Early Head Start, Head Start Teacher Assistant, Head Start Parent Educator, Policy Role (Licensing, Advocacy, or Policy), Elementary - Paraprofessional, Elementary - School Age Child Care Teachers Assistant, Family Home Child Care Owner/Licensee, Department of Defense - Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant, YMCA - School Age Child Care Teacher, YMCA - Site Director, Child Care Center Assistant, Child Care Center Lead Teacher, Faith Based Preschool Teacher, Family Home Child Care Assistant, Montessori - Infant and Toddler Teacher, Montessori - K-5 Teachers Assistant, and various other early education, public school, hospital and child care positions are attainable upon completion of this course of study. To learn more from a career specialist, visit the Office of Career Services at either campus or explore online at www.onetonline.org.

Transfer Pathways:

Students intending to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree need to make early decisions concerning an academic major and a transfer destination. Statistics show that students who make these decisions early are more likely to persist to graduation than their undecided counterparts. Students planning to transfer credits earned at Macomb are strongly urged to see a counselor or academic advisor as early as possible in their college careers.

Students who plan to transfer for a Bachelor’s degree or who plan to use the Education: Early Childhood Studies degree as a major or minor in a teaching certificate program will need to work with a counselor or an academic advisor to fulfill specific general education requirements for their intended university. It is important to note that teacher education programs are highly selective. Academic performance at Macomb (GPA) will be a significant factor to admission to a university program.

• Transfer Resource Guide
• Transfer Plan Database

Programs

• Education: Early Childhood Studies, AAS (full-time)
• Education: Early Childhood Studies, AAS (part-time)