Early Learning and Child Care will prepare graduates for a career working with children from birth to age twelve, and their families. Research studies indicate that the first five years in the lives of children are the most critical in terms of their overall development. A commitment to this worthwhile profession will have long term benefits to young children, their families and the community in which they live and work.

Graduates of the program have excellent opportunities for employment in a variety of different early childhood settings including child care centers, family day homes, nursery schools, inclusive child care programs, kindergartens, and out-of-school programs. Diploma graduates of Early Learning and Child Care are highly sought after by employers and have excellent opportunities to advance in their careers. First Year (36 credits) • CD1000 Child Development I (3) • CD1011 Introduction to Early Learning and Child Care (2) • CD1020 Health, Nutrition and Safety (2) • CD1045 Practicum I (3) • CD1050 Art, Music, and Story (3) • CD1100 Child Development II (3) • CD1145 Practicum II (5) • CD1330 Understanding Children’s Play (3) • CD1350 Supporting Children’s Play (3) • CD1370 Guiding Children’s Behavior I (2) • CD2070 Infant Toddler Care (2) • HS1000 Interpersonal Communication (2) • HS1130 English (3)

Second year (32 credits) • CD2020 Environments for Young Children (2) • CD2030 Administering Early Learning and Child Care Programs (2) • CD2045 Practicum III (4) • CD2050 Science, Math and Social Knowledge (3) • CD2080 Interpersonal Communication II (2) • CD2110 Working With Families (3) • CD2120 School Age Care and Development (3) • CD2145 Practicum IV (6) • CD2380 Guiding Children’s Behavior II (2) • HS1217 Language and Literacy (2) • HS2100 Individuals with Exceptionalities (3)