NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMUNITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Laconia Campus
379 Belmont Road, Laconia NH 03246
Phone: (603) 524-3207 or NE (800) 357-2992
www.laconia.nhctc.edu

2006-2007 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Employment opportunities in New Hampshire, in early childhood education and childcare, remain excellent; and will continue to grow. Sixty-seven percent of children under the age of six in New Hampshire receive some form of childcare provided by persons other than their parents. Many of these young children spend eight to eleven hours each day in childcare. Because of a shortage of trained directors, teachers, and workers, many childcare programs strive, but are unable to fully meet the developmental needs of children in their care.

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Degree program provides theoretical and practical experiences for preparation to work as an Early Childhood Education Director, responsible for the care and education of young children, management of personnel, finances, and facilities of an early childhood education program. The certificate prepares graduates to become childcare teachers.

The Early Childhood Education program seeks students who have a strong desire to nurture and care. To ensure that the Early Childhood Education Associate in Science applicant chooses the appropriate career, the candidate will be required to meet with the program coordinator and the college counselor.

Successful completion of this program satisfies New Hampshire Childcare Bureau of Licensing requirements for certification as a childcare director or teacher. This program also provides an ideal preparation for those students wishing to continue their education on the baccalaureate level.

The New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Standards and Licensing may restrict certification of candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal action. Questions about certification restrictions should be addressed to the New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Standards and Licensing.

Technical Requirements

Early Childhood Education Program candidates must:

have command of the English language;
have the ability to stand for sustained periods of time, walking, running, bending, sitting on the floor and on child-size furniture to meet the child’s needs and accomplish tasks;
have sufficient strength, stamina and motor coordination to perform frequent lifting, moving and transferring children, especially infants and toddlers;
have sufficient visual and hearing acuity to ensure a safe environment and the ability to respond quickly in the event of an emergency;
have sufficient verbal ability to express and exchange information and ideas as well as to interpret important instructions to children, fellow students, and supervising teachers;
have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately to unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels;
have the ability to secure transportation to Practicum and field observation sites;
uphold the ethical codes relevant to his or her discipline (National Association for the Education of Young Children);
ability to demonstrate and maintain organizational skills, time management and professional respect and conduct as an early childhood education student, either at a practicum site, or in the community;
interview with one of the Early Childhood Education faculty.

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

communicate skillfully, both orally and in writing;
demonstrate empathy with children and their families;
perform accurate development assessments;
devise imaginative developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester CL LAB CR

LCIS1320 Software Applications.................................................................... 3 2 4

LECE1210 Growth and Development of the Young Child................................... 3 0 3

LECE1230 Foundations of Early Childhood Education...................................... 3 0 3

LENG1200 College Composition..................................................................... 3 0 3

MATHEMATICS............................................................................ 3 0 3

Totals........................................................................................ 15 2 16

Spring Semester CL LAB CR

LECE1220 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood..................................... 3 0 3

LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care........................................ 3 0 3

LPSY1250 Introduction to Psychology............................................................ 3 0 3

LHUS1260 Learning and Behavior................................................................... 3 0 3

LSCI1440 Human Biology with Lab................................................................ 3 2 4

Totals........................................................................................ 15 2 16

Total Credits for Year = 32

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester CL LAB CR

LECE1260 Infant and Toddler Development...................................................... 3 0 3

LECE1610 Early Childhood Practicum I........................................................... 2 9 5

LECE2160 Young Children’s Special Needs.................................................... 3 0 3

LPSY1260 Human Growth and Development.................................................... 3 0 3

LSOC2350 Children, Youth and Families......................................................... 3 0 3

Totals........................................................................................ 14 9 17

Spring Semester CL LAB CR

LECE2240 Math and Science in Early Childhood............................................. 3 0 3

LECE2300 Program and Facility Management

LECE2310 Early Literacy Development........................................................... 3 0 3

LECE2610 Early Childhood Practicum II.......................................................... 2 9 5

LENG2240 American Short Story

LENG2500 Introduction to Literature................................................................ 3 0 3

LPHI2270 Ethical Issues.............................................................................. 3 0 3

Totals........................................................................................ 14 9 17

Total Credits for Year = 34

Total for A.S. Degree = 66

ASSOCIATE TEACHER CERTIFICATE

This certificate program satisfies New Hampshire Childcare Bureau of Licensing requirements for childcare worker certification.

Courses CL LAB CR

LECE1210 Growth and Development of the Young Child................................... 3 0 3

LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care........................................ 3 0 3

LECE1260 Infant and Toddler Development...................................................... 3 0 3

Totals......................................................................................... 9 0 9

LEAD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

This certificate program satisfies New Hampshire Childcare Bureau of Licensing requirements for teacher and childcare worker certification.

Courses CL LAB CR

LECE1210 Growth and Development of the Young Child................................... 3 0 3

LECE1220 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood..................................... 3 0 3

LECE1230 Foundations of Early Childhood Education...................................... 3 0 3

LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care........................................ 3 0 3

LECE1260 Infant and Toddler Development...................................................... 3 0 3

LECE1610 Early Childhood Practicum I........................................................... 2 9 5

Totals........................................................................................ 17 9 20

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE

This certificate prepares students to independently implement program activities and supervise childcare teachers and workers.

Courses CL LAB CR

LECE1210 Growth and Development of the Young Child................................... 3 0 3

LECE1220 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood..................................... 3 0 3

LECE1230 Foundations of Early Childhood Education...................................... 3 0 3

LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care........................................ 3 0 3

LECE1260 Infant and Toddler Development...................................................... 3 0 3

LECE1610 Early Childhood Practicum I........................................................... 2 9 5

LECE2400 Math and Science in Early Childhood............................................. 3 0 3

LENG1200 College Composition..................................................................... 3 0 3

LENG2240 American Short Story

LENG2500 Introduction to Literature................................................................ 3 0 3

Totals........................................................................................ 26 9 29

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

LECE1210 Growth and Development of the Young Child (3 Credits)

An introduction to the child, from birth to age eight, as a learner and family member with needs to explore and communicate; as well as to develop social competence. Explanation of current themes of child development is provided with special emphasis on understanding children’s developmental levels through childhood. Topics covered include: conception, heredity and prenatal development, infant development, the child in the family, toddlerhood, and early childhood.

LECE1220 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood (3 Credits)

The design, implementation, and evaluation, of appropriate programs for young children through age six. Focuses on the concrete, practical application of various theories, philosophies, and current research data in the field. Other topics include: the young child as explorer and learner, language, numbers, art, the world, and the effective teacher of young children.

LECE1230 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 Credits)

The history of early childhood education and child care; including the contributions of Froebel, Montessori, and Wheelock. The course concentrates on a diversity of programs including; childcare, Head Start, kindergarten, and nursery. Profit and non-profit programs will be examined. Discussion includes historical perspectives, current trends, theories, and approaches to the care, development, and education, of young children. Theoretical perspectives, history of early childhood education, and current trends and movements are discussed.

LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care (3 Credits)

Utilizing National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines, and all applicable local and state standards, this course provides the student with comprehensive concepts and guidelines and practices needed to implement appropriate policies and procedures to insure proper nutrition and sanitary, healthy, and safe child care environments. It should be noted that CPR and First Aid training are NOT part of the course.

LECE1260 Infant and /Toddler Development (3 Credits)

Focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for infant/toddler caregivers. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives on infant/toddler development, and the pragmatics of caring for young children in early childhood settings. A study of important influences on infant and toddler development, with emphasis on the role and responsibilities of parents and caregivers in creating high quality, supportive environments with sensitivity to attachment, and the importance of communication skills, in nurturing positive parent/teacher/child relationships.

LECE1610 Early Childhood Practicum I (5 Credits)

In order to develop appropriate attitudes and skills, and to effectively apply knowledge to the care and education of young children, the student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and the practicum instructor evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester the student submits documentation relating theory, practice and the student’s practicum learning experiences. Work at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection and disclosure combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. (Prerequisites: LENG 1200, LECE 1210 or LECE 1260, and LECE 1220)

LECE2160 Young Children’s Special Needs (3 Credits)

This course will broaden the student’s awareness of the theoretical and legal foundations for programs serving young children from infancy through age eight; with a wide range of special education needs. Students will examine the causes, symptoms, social consequences, and behavior characteristics of children with special needs. Emphasis will be on education for children and their families. Disabilities and special needs, theoretical foundations, practical implications, legal requirements, rights, and procedures are discussed.

LECE2240 Math and Science in Early Childhood (3 Credits)

This course will provide students with the theoretical and developmental knowledge necessary to effectively teach the basic concepts of math and science to young children. Students will develop their skills in preparing developmentally appropriate activities which promote inquisitiveness, problem solving, and exploration. The interrelationship between math and science and other areas of the curriculum will be explored. Students will need access to young children.

LECE2300 Program and Facility Management (3 Credits)

This course provides a comprehensive study of the operation of an early childhood education child care facility. Staffing and supervision, including orientation, training and termination are explored as they relate to the business of child care. Students develop business and marketing plans according to accepted business standards. New Hampshire Child Care Standards and Licensing requirements, Title XX Block Grants, and funding sources are included.

LECE2310 Early Literacy Development (3 Credits)

Early Literacy Development involves listening, speaking, drawing, singing, and acting; as well as reading. It includes all the ways children communicate ideas and receive those of others. This course will focus on concepts underlying early literacy development and using children’s literature and creative activities to enable students to develop a repertoire of experiences and a portfolio of resources to enhance emergent literacy in young children.

LECE2610 Early Childhood Education Practicum II (3 Credits)

The student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional to acquire the advanced skills required for greater autonomy in the planning and implementation of activities for young children. Periodic conferences between the student, supervisor, and the practicum instructor are held to evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester the student submits detailed documentation relating theory, practice, and the student’s learning experiences at the practicum site. Work at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection, and disclosure, combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. (Prerequisites: LECE 1610)

The college reserves the right to change without notice any academic or other requirements, course offerings and course contents contained in this profile.