This program provides training for those who want to pursue a career involving the care and education of young children from birth through age eight. Courses in theory and internship are combined to provide a comprehensive base of growth and development. Early intervention, high-risk, gifted, and developmentally delayed issues are included. The program meets all Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements. Those working with very young children need to be in good health and able to lift and carry young children comfortably.

Students must earn a grade of “C” or above in all required courses applied to a certificate or degree.

Assessment testing is required for all students. Students who place into ENG 090 (or above), MAT 090 (or above), and REA 090 (or above) may begin this program of study. Students scoring below this level should consult with a faculty member before registering for courses in this program of study.

Students enrolling in ECE 102, ECE 112, ECE 180, and ECE 280 must pass a criminal background check before they are allowed to start their practicum hours with children. Contact your home campus ECE Program Director or the FRCC – ECE Online Lead if you are enrolling in an online section for a practicum course for information on how to complete the background check process.

Required Courses	Credits
ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 102 Introduction to Early Childhood Lab Techniques	3
ECE 103 Guidance Strategies for Children	3
ECE 111 Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice	3
ECE 155 Family and Parenting Issues	1
ECE 179 Seminar	2
ECE 180 Practicum	3
ECE 205 Nutrition, Health and Safety	3
ECE 220 Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques	3
ECE 238 Child Growth and Development	3
ECE 240 Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs	3
ECE 241 Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 260 Exceptional Child	3
ECE 279 Seminar	2
ECE 280 Practicum	3
ECE Elective (program advisor approval) (see ECE electives below)	4
Total Required Credits	45
Required General Education Courses	Credits
ENG 121 English Composition I	3
MAT 107 or above	3
Natural & Physical Sciences or Humanities elective	3
Sociology elective	3
Psychology elective	3
Total Required General Education Credits	15
Total Required Credits for AAS Degree	60
ECE Elective Courses	Credits

Choose 4 credits from the following with program advisor approval:

ECE 108 The Assessment Process in Early Childhood Education	1
ECE 112 Introduction to Infant/Toddler Lab Techniques	3
ECE 127 Music/Movement for the Young Child	1
ECE 157 Family Dynamics	1
ECE 160 Behavior Management Techniques in Early Childhood Education	1
ECE 161 The Team Process	1
ECE 162 Transitions for Handicapped Adolescents	1
ECE 163 Facilitating Functional Skills for Communication	2
ECE 175 Special Topics	1-3
ECE 188 Practicum	1
ECE 195 School Age Child in Child Care	2
ECE 209 Observing Young Children	1
ECE 225 Language and Cognition for the Young Child	3
ECE 226 Creativity and the Young Child	3
ECE 228 Language and Literacy	3
ECE 236 Child Growth/Development Laboratory	1
ECE 237 Theories & Techniques of Social & Emotional Growth	3
ECE 266 Multicultural Curriculum	3
LIT 255 Children's Literature	3