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Printed on 3/24/2023

Early Childhood Education

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10-307-1 Associate Degree (AAS) Part Time, Full Time 60 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Time of Day: Day Also Offered in Accelerated Format Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Love being around children? This degree program provides you with skills specific to developing and supervising young children. You'll learn about child development, relationships, behavior and diversity. You'll also learn how to create curriculum and give children positive guidance. Gain skills in observation and assessment, health, safety and nutrition. Throughout the program, you will apply what you're learning in actual early childhood settings. Your career in early childhood education is just a hop, skip and jump away.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (42 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood
    10-307-148
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307148
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces students to the early childhood profession. Course competencies include: explore the concepts of diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias as it relates to early childhood education, investigate the history of early childhood education, examine regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in Wisconsin, summarize types of early childhood education settings, identify the components of a quality early childhood education program, summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals, explore early childhood curriculum models and examine the critical role of play as it relates to developmentally appropriate practice.

  • ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition
    10-307-167
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307167
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; examine governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety, and nutrition; plan a safe early childhood environment; plan a healthy early childhood environment; plan nutritionally sound menus; examine child abuse and neglect issues and mandates; describe Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies, describe strategies to prevent the occurrence of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS); incorporate health, safety, and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum.

  • ECE: Introductory Practicum
    10-307-174
    3Credit
    144
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10307174
    • Credits: 3.00

    Learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual early childhood setting. Explore the standards for quality early childhood education, demonstrate professional behaviors, and meet the requirements for training in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.

    Coreq: ECE: Early Language & Literacy 10307108 OR ECE: Social Studies, Art, and Music 10307110
  • ECE: Child Development
    10-307-179
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307179
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze social, cultural, and economic influences on child development; summarize child development theories; analyze development of children ages three through five; analyze development of children ages five through eight; relate child development research findings to teaching practice; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine the role of brain development in early learning (ages three through eight) examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for children ages three through eight.

  • ECE: Early Language & Literacy
    10-307-108
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10307108
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explore strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age. Learners will investigate the components of literacy including; literacy as a source of enjoyment, vocabulary and oral language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, letters and words, comprehension and an understanding of books and other texts. Theories and philosophies regarding children's language and literacy development will be addressed. Dual language learning will be examined within the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Assessment tools for early language and literacy acquisition will be reviewed.

  • ECE: Infant & Toddler Development
    10-307-151
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307151
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to thirty-six months); correlate prenatal and postnatal conditions with development; summarize child development theories; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers, examine the role of brain development in early learning (conception through thirty-six months); examine caregiving routines as curriculum; and examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for infants and toddlers.

  • ECE: Guiding Child Behavior
    10-307-188
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307188
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze techniques for and effects of strong relationship-building with children and families; identify positive and proactive guidance principles and techniques to support children; analyze environmental influences on child behavior; identify strategies that support children’s active engagement in the learning environment; identify strategies that proactively teach emotional literacy and regulation techniques; identify strategies that proactively teach friendship skills; identify strategies that proactively teach children calming, relaxation, and problem-solving techniques; utilize observation and assessment techniques to assess and interpret behavior; create a behavior support plan based on a functional behavior assessment; create a guidance philosophy. This course meets the requirements of the "24 hour Wisconsin" Pyramid Model training.

  • ECE: Social Studies, Art, & Music
    10-307-110
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10307110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of Social Studies, Art, Music, & Movement (SSAMM).

  • ECE: Preschool Practicum
    10-307-175
    3Credit
    144
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10307175
    • Credits: 3.00

    Serves as the capstone course in The Registry Preschool Credential. Students will be placed or will be working in an early childhood setting with 3 year-old to 5 year-old children and create a portfolio that prepares students for The Registry commission. In this course, students will be implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for preschoolers.

    Prereq: ECE Introductory Practicum 10307174; Coreqs: ECE: Early Language and Literacy 10307108 and ECE: Social Studies, Art, and Music 10307110
  • ECE: Children w Diff Abilities
    10-307-187
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307187
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; promote inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to, ADA and IDEA; examine the consultation process to embed intervention in natural based settings; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; identify community and professional resources; interpret an individual educational plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; examine strategies for cultivating partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences.

  • ECE: STEM
    10-307-112
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10307112
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

  • ECE: Intermediate Practicum
    10-307-177
    3Credit
    144
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10307177
    • Credits: 3.00

    Implement regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for children.

    Prereq: ECE: Preschool Practicum 10307175; Coreq: ECE: STEM 10307112
  • ECE: Family & Community Relationships
    10-307-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Course competencies include: implement strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns and trends; identify strategies to strengthen and support families; explore effective communication strategies; discover strategies for developing respectful and reciprocal relationships with families; analyze strategies to promote family engagement in early childhood education programs; explore a variety of formats for meeting with families in their contexts; advocate for children and families; and explore community resources that provide a range of services for children and families.

  • ECE: Advanced Practicum
    10-307-199
    3Credit
    144
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10307199
    • Credits: 3.00

    Demonstrate competence in supporting child development through observation, assessment and implementation of teaching strategies as students work in and learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual early childhood setting. Demonstrate a high level of skill in fostering relationships with children, families and early childhood professionals, and use skills learned in a lead teacher role to develop a career plan to transition from student to early childhood education professional.

    Prereq: ECE: Intermediate Practicum 10307177

    General Studies (15 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • Speech
    10-801-198
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Covers the fundamentals of oral presentation, topic selection, audience analysis, speech organization, research, evidence and support, delivery, evaluation, listening and group problem solving.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the theoretical foundation of human functioning and looks at learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. Students consider the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Principles of Sustainability
    10-806-112
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806112
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares the student to develop sustainable literacy; analyze interconnections between physical and biological science, and environmental systems; summarize the effects of sustainability; analyze connections among social, economic and environmental systems; employ energy conservation strategies to reduce use of fossil fuels; investigate alternative energy option; evaluate options for waste disposal and recycling; and analyze approaches used to promote and implement sustainability.

  • Intro to Sociology
    10-809-196
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the basic concepts of the intercultural discipline of sociology. Emphasis is placed on culture, socialization and social stratification. The course also looks at five institutions: family, politics, economics, religion and education. Additional topics include demography, deviance, technology, environmental social issues, and social change and organization.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

    Suggested Electives (3 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Introduction
    10-307-130
    1Credit
    18
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 18
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10307130
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and information to support individuals of the ASD. Focuses on ASD and how individuals and families may be impacted, and differentiates between typical development and atypical development associated with ASD.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Integration
    10-307-131
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10307131
    • Credits: 2.00

    Identifies social skill issues; facilitate play skills; monitor behaviors; and create supportive learning and play environments for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is recommended that course 10-307-130 ASD, Introduction be taken prior to taking this course.

  • Introduction to Family Child Care
    10-307-301
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307301
    • Credits: 3.00

    Introduces family child care topics such as quality standards, health and wellness, child development, curriculum planning, guiding children’s behavior, program wellness, and provider health and wellness. This course fulfills requirements for Department of Children and Families entry-level courses Fundamentals of Family Child Care and Introduction to the Child Care Profession.

  • ECE: Child Care Best Practices
    10-307-185
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307185
    • Credits: 3.00

    Includes information for establishing and maintaining quality programs based on professional standards and using the best available information on child growth and development in order to provide a family friendly service. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

  • Supervise/Admin ECE Programs
    10-307-204
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10307204
    • Credits: 3.00

    Prepares participants to receive a certificate in childcare administration from FVTC and a credential as a childcare administrator from the Registry. This course includes an overview of the roles and responsibilities of directors, coordinators, supervisors and other administrators in early childhood programs. Must be a lead teacher or program director.

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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.