A smiling group of toddlers exemplifies the care and experience Northeaster's early childhood education program provides.
Area of Study

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood teachers and directors work in a variety of settings:  private and public preschool and child care settings supported and operated by the employer, hospitals, recreation centers, before/after school programs, Head Start, and other programs serving children birth to 8 years.

Early Childhood Teacher

TOTAL CREDITS
18
CIP:
131210
BANNER:
ED2Y
Certificate

The Teacher Certificate is designed for persons who have nine months or more of verified work experience with young children and wish to establish qualifications within the State of Colorado. The work experience must be in the care and supervision of four or more children under 6 years of age who are not related to the individual.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 18
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ECE101ECE1011
Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. (3-0)

ECE102ECE1045
Introduction to ECE Techniques 3

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE1031 with a "C" grade or better. (1-4)

ECE103ECE1031
Guidance Strategies Young Children 3

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite:  ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE220ECE2621
Curriculum Methods/Techniques 3

Provides an overview of early childhood curriculum development. This course includes processes for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate environments, materials, and experiences that represent best practices in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

ECE238ECE2381
ECE Child Growth & Development 3

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration. (3-0)

Also choose one of the following courses.

ECE111ECE1111
Infant/Toddler Theory/Practice 3

Presents an overview of theories, applications (including observations), and issues pertinent to infant and toddler development in group and\or family settings. Includes state requirements for licensing, health, safety, and nutrition issues. Focuses on birth through age 3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE256ECE2101
Working with Families & Communities 3

Examines professional attitudes related to working with diverse families and how unconscious bias may affect family-professional partnerships in early care and education settings. This course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and an exploration of activities and resources to support family engagement in their children’s education. Supporting equity and inclusion of all family cultures in early care and education settings for children ages birth through eight. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (3-0)

ECE260ECE2601
The Exceptional Child 3

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child’s learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

Degree & Certificate Options

Early Childhood Teacher Education

Associate of Arts
60 Credits

T-Prep A.A. Early Childhood Education

Associate of Arts
60 Credits

Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science
69 Credits

Early Childhood Director

Certificate
30 Credits

Early Childhood Teacher

Certificate
18 Credits

Nanny/Infant Toddler Teacher

Certificate
35 Credits

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Certificate
6 Credits

T-Prep Early Childhood Education

Certificate
16 Credits

Faculty

Donna Brady-Lawler
Early Childhood Education Coordinator and Professor
970-521-6725
E.S. French- 203E
Sterling
Donna Brady - Lawler
Celeste Delgado-Pelton
Chair Liberal Arts and Academic Opportunity
970-521-6754
E.S. French- 104A
Sterling
Celeste Delgado - Pelton

Staff

Rebeka Laible
Administrative Assistant II
970-521-6671
E.S. French-104
Sterling
Rebeka Laible