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.

T-Prep Early Childhood Education

TOTAL CREDITS
16
CIP:
131015
Certificate

The T-Prep Early Childhood Education Certificate is designed for the student that is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education through the T-Prep articulation agreement between NJC and CU Denver. Courses in this certificate are part of the third year program requirements for CU Denver, but are taken through NJC. Students should enroll in this certificate program ONLY if they choose to slow down year three and enroll as a part-time student. Students that enroll full-time in year three of the T-Prep Elementary Education should enroll through CU Denver. More specific information regarding the T-Prep program in Early Childhood Education can be found on the NJC website at NJC T-Prep.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 12
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
EDU234EDU2341
Multicultural Education 3

Explores racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic groups to gain an understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion in communities and education. This course provides opportunities to contextualize multicultural perspectives in society and their impact on the education system. (3-0)

EDU261EDU2611
Teaching, Learning &Technology 3

Explores integration of technology instruction into teaching practices used in preschool through postsecondary (P-21) educational settings for all curriculum areas of content. This course reviews a variety of technologies with an emphasis on increasing student learning and retention of knowledge. The course also explores combining technology with several instructional methodologies to promote professional teacher dispositions related to technology-rich teaching. (3-0)

ECE240ECE2401
Administration of ECE Programs 3

Provides foundational knowledge in early childhood program business operations, program development, and evaluation. This course covers administrative skills, ethical decision making, risk and resource management, and components of quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs serving children age's birth through 12 years. 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)

Electives

Total Credits 4

Choose at least one (3 credit) course and one (1 credit) course from the following list.

Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ECE205ECE2051
ECE Nutrition/Health/Safety 3

Focuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. Includes nutrient knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families. Addresses ages from prenatal through age 8. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE226ECE2641
Creativity and the Young Child 3

Provides an emphasis on encouraging and supporting creative self-expression and problem solving skills in children. Explores creative learning theories and research. Focuses on developmentally appropriate curriculum strategies in all developmental domains. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

ECE228ECE2651
Early Language and Literacy Development in Young Children 3

Provides foundational knowledge of the developmental progression of language and literacy acquisition of mono- and bi-lingual children age’s birth to age 8. This course provides opportunities to explore and practice language and literacy teaching strategies to use with young children in home, classroom, and community settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

COM220COM2300
Intercultural Communication: GT-SS3 3

Provides a global view of communication across cultures and brings an awareness of how perception, language, race, verbal and nonverbal communication impact our behaviors, messages, and interactions. Emphasis is on developing effective and ethical cross-cultural communication skills while also building an appreciation for different cultures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

SOC101SOC1001
Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 3

This course examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology, including topics of culture, race, class, gender, sexuality, social groups, and deviance through a local and global lens. Analyzes and interprets socio-historic as well as contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

SOC102SOC1002
Introduction to Sociology II: GT-SS3 3

Examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology, including topics of family, religion, education, politics, the economy, health, demography, the environment and social movements through a local and global lens. Analyzes and interprets socio-historical as well as contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

ANT101ANT1001
Cultural Anthropology: GT-SS3 3

Examines the study of human cultural patterns, including communication, economic systems, social and political organizations, religion, healing systems, and cultural change.  Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

LIT205LIT2005
Ethnic Literature: GT-AH2 3

Focuses on significant texts by ethnic Americans including African-American, Native American, Latino/a, and Asian Americans. Emphasizes careful reading and understanding of the cultural and literary elements of the works. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-AH2 category. (3-0)

Also choose one of the following courses.

ECE209ECE2061
Observation and Assessment of Young Children's Development, Learning and Programs 1

Provides a foundational understanding of the observation and assessment of young children’s development and learning environments. This course also examines the current research on the continuous practice of observing and assessing children’s development and incorporates practice with a variety of assessment instruments, particularly evidence-based and authentic assessment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (1-0)

ECE108ECE1008
Assessment Process in ECE 1

Focuses on exposing students to a wide variety of screening tools and evaluations appropriate for children birth to 8 years of age. Enables students to gain beginning knowledge in the selection of developmental screening tools and evaluations important to the IFSP/IEP. (1-0)

EDU188EDU1088
Practicum I 2

Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the education facility and with the direct guidance of the instructor.

HWE117HWE1003
Mental Health First Aid 1

Covers common mental disorders and mental health crises. This course trains first responders to take basic action steps to address mental health issues. This course is not intended to train students as mental health professionals. (1-0)

HWE103HWE1001
Community First Aid and CPR 1

Prepares the student for certification in CPR and Basic First Aid. Skills will include basic life support, airway obstruction, control of bleeding, shock, and patient care for the unconscious. (1-0)

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