Campus Location: Calmar, Peosta
Program Entry: Enrollment may occur during any term. Fall term is the start of the program course sequence.
Award: Diploma
Description: The Early Childhood Education diploma program prepares students for careers working with children 0-8 years of age in a variety of educational settings. Students enrolled in the program receive education in the guidance and supervision of young children during indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the development and delivery of curriculum in dramatic play, art, music, literature, language, science, math, and health. They also develop an understanding of the principles of child development, safety procedures, assessment and evaluation, communication skills, and nutritional needs. Graduates are employed as early childhood professionals in child care centers, child development in-home provider settings, preschools, and public or private schools working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age children.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply knowledge learned to establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
- Students will identify typical and atypical child growth and development within all learning domains.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication techniques to a diverse population.
- Students will assess children’s progress within the learning domains to determine where each young child is developmentally.
- Students will identify community resources available for family referrals.
- Students will apply the Iowa Early Childhood Learning Standards to plan, implement, evaluate and adapt learning experiences for young children.
- Students will demonstrate ethical behaviors following NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards.
Enrollment Process: See Enrollment Process . Applicants to this program do not need to complete the ALEKS® math assessment.
Academic Requirements: To graduate from this program, students must complete all required coursework with a “C-” grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students not receiving a minimum of a “C-” grade in the prerequisite courses for ECE 921 will not be allowed into Field Experience.
Program Requirements: Prior to the designated dates, students will be required to complete the following:
- Background check (Iowa, FBI and abuse registry checks)
- Iowa DHS Child Care Provider physical examination
- Drug testing (students are required to be substance-free throughout the program)
Training:
- First Aid and CPR that includes infant, child and adult CPR and may be taken through NICC Business and Community Solutions
- Mandatory Reporter
- Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens
In addition to meeting the above listed requirements, students must maintain these requirements throughout the program. Failure to remain compliant will result in denial or removal from field placement. Field placement is required for program completion.
Note: A positive report on the criminal dependent adult abuse, child abuse background screening or drug screen may prevent you from being accepted for Field Experience placement and completion of the program. All screening costs are the responsibility of the student.
Minimum Credits: 34
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