Early Childhood (ECH)

This program provides students with a background in general education and specific skills necessary to work effectively with young children. The curriculum is designed to prepare students, through class and laboratory experience, to become a teacher (head of group) or assistant in preschool/day care/nursery school settings. 

Upon successful completion of a NYSED exam, graduates may become teacher assistants in a public school. This degree, with experience and further coursework, qualifies graduates to become the director of a child care center.

The College conducts an on-campus Laboratory Nursery School where students can gain practical teaching experience under professional supervision. Students also participate in various day care centers, pre-schools and kindergartens in the community.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded upon completion of the requirements for this program. 

Upon completion of the ECH program, students will be able to display knowledge and appropriate applications in the following areas:

• Promote child development and learning by creating a learning environment that addresses the developmental characteristics and needs of young children;
• Build family and community relationships by demonstrating the learners’ understanding of the impact on children’s development and learning of families and the communities in which they live;
• Observe, document and assess to support young children and their families by using systematic observations, documentation and other strategies to develop age-appropriate curricula and strategies to positively impact children’s development and learning and communicate with families and other professionals;
• Actuate the teaching and learning process by integrating the knowledge of developmentally effective approaches to design, implement and evaluate learning experiences for young children in a variety of curricular areas;
• Become a professional by illustrating an understanding of the ethical implications and consequences of decisions regarding policies and practices in early childhood.

Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.