Early Childhood Education (CHLD-AAS)

PROGRAM GOAL: The purpose of this program is to prepare students for careers as day care teachers, prekindergarten teachers, directors of day care centers, and as elementary school teacher's aides. The program is designed to teach the principles of child growth and development through a variety of classroom and laboratory experiences. Emphasis is given to observing and interpreting child behavior, as well as developing techniques for working with children. Students gain practical experience in planning and directing activities for children through practicum's in local day care centers.

All Child Development Associate majors should be aware that the State of Florida requires a thorough background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement prior to the student entering the classroom for observations. The background check for students doing observations in the Bay County system will be initiated by GCCC. Students doing observations in other school systems must go to the district in which they will do their observations and comply with the requirements of that system. The students will be required to pay a fee for the cost of the background check.

Prior to graduation, students must successfully complete MAT0024 with a "C" or higher or must qualify for college level mathematics (MAT1033).