Mar 28, 2024  
2020-21 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2020-21 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Early Childhood Education - Preschool Certificate (C55220G)


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This certificate will provide a background in developmentally appropriate practices for preschool aged children.  Courses in this certificate will focus on positive child guidance techniques and effective communication with the child, family, and community.  This certificate will enhance the employability of early childhood education students nationwide as it encompasses the courses required for the CDA (Child Development Associate); a credential that is required in many states for work in a childcare center.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Promoting child development and learning:
    a. Knowing and understanding young children’s characteristics and needs.
    b. Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on development and learning.
    c. Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.

  2. Building family and community relationships by knowing about and understanding family and community characteristics.’

    a. Knowing about and understanding diverse family and community characteristics.
    b. Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
    c. Involving families and communities and their children’s development and learning.

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Early Childhood Education program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college.

  1. Complete Residency Determination
  2. Submit a Gaston College Application
  3. Apply for financial aid
  4. Meet with an advisor and/or attend an information session
  5. Submit official high school (and college, if applicable) transcripts
  6. Provide proof of course placement requirements

Additional Program Requirements for Early Childhood Education

  • Have grades of “C” or better in all required program courses.
  • All students are required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria which will include a valid Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter obtained through Division of Child Development & Early Education (DCDEE). Instructions will be provided in EDU 119. Students who do not submit a valid CBC Qualification letter will not successfully complete Early Childhood Education.

Total Program Hours: 16


Note(s):


The courses taken in this certificate program may be applied toward the Diploma and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education.

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