A smiling group of toddlers exemplifies the care and experience Northeaster's early childhood education program provides.
Area of Study

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood teachers and directors work in a variety of settings:  private and public preschool and child care settings supported and operated by the employer, hospitals, recreation centers, before/after school programs, Head Start, and other programs serving children birth to 8 years.

Early Childhood Teacher

Certificate
Total Credits
18
CIP:
131210
BANNER:
ED2Y
Certificate

The Teacher Certificate is designed for persons who have nine months or more of verified work experience with young children and wish to establish qualifications within the State of Colorado. The work experience must be in the care and supervision of four or more children under 6 years of age who are not related to the individual.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 18
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ECE101ECE1011
Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. (3-0)

ECE102ECE1045
Introduction to ECE Techniques 3

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE1031 with a "C" grade or better. (1-4)

ECE103ECE1031
Guidance Strategies for Young Children 3

Provides an exploration of guidance theories, techniques, and practices used to support young children’s ability to learn and engage in prosocial interactions with peers and adults. This course covers factors that influence children’s behaviors, as well as aspects of early childhood educator professionalism related to ethical and equitable guidance practice. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite:  ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE220ECE2621
Curriculum Development Methods/Techniques 3

Explores planning and implementing effective early childhood curriculum for children, from birth through age eight years, including developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom environments, and written curriculum plans. The course also covers curricular content areas relevant to early childhood. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

ECE238ECE2381
ECE Child Growth & Development 3

Provides an overview of growth, development, and learning of young children from birth through 12 years. The course includes the major theories of development as integrated in developmental domains and offers opportunities to practice effective research and assessment methods to gather child development information. This course also includes practical applications of child development knowledge to responsive teaching practices. (3-0)

Also choose one of the following courses:

ECE111ECE1111
Infant/Toddler Theory/Practice 3

Presents an overview of development and care pertinent to infant and toddler children, ages birth to three years, in early childhood settings. The course includes information on state requirements for regulating health, safety, and nutrition practices in early childhood settings, and on indicators of quality care for infants and toddlers. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE256ECE2101
Working with Families & Communities 3

Examines personal and professional dispositions and strategies impacting partnerships with diverse families, including perspectives that recognize diversity and promote equity in early care and education settings. The course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and activities used to promote family partnerships, and explores community resources to support children and their families. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (3-0)

ECE260ECE2601
The Exceptional Child 3

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child’s learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

Degree & Certificate Options

Early Childhood Teacher Education

Associate of Arts
60 Credits

T-Prep A.A. Early Childhood Education

Associate of Arts
60 Credits

Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science
69 Credits

Early Childhood Director

Certificate
30 Credits

Early Childhood Teacher

Certificate
18 Credits

Nanny/Infant Toddler Teacher

Certificate
35 Credits

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Certificate
6 Credits

T-Prep Early Childhood Education

Certificate
16 Credits

Faculty

Donna Brady-Lawler
Early Childhood Education Coordinator and Professor
970-521-6725
E.S. French- 203E
Sterling
Donna Brady - Lawler
Celeste Delgado-Pelton
Chair Liberal Arts and Academic Opportunity
970-521-6754
E.S. French- 104A
Sterling
Celeste Pelton

Staff

Rebeka Laible
Administrative Assistant II- Liberal Arts
970-521-6671
E.S. French-104
Sterling
Rebeka Laible