The demand for quality childcare providers continues to rise, resulting in numerous opportunities for well-trained early childhood professionals. In Hillsborough Community College’s Early Childhood Education Program, you will develop the skills you need to create safe, healthy and nurturing learning environments that meet the emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of children in care.
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as early childhood professionals, preschool teachers, child development center managers, and to provide supplementary training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.
HCC’s early childhood programs (AS.EDU, AS.PRE) are designed to prepare students for the Florida Staff Credential. The academic requirements for professional certification in other states vary. HCC has not yet determined the status of this credential in all states.
HCC’s early childhood management course (EEC1521) meets the academic requirement for the Florida Director Credential. The academic requirements for administrative certification in other states vary. HCC has not yet determined the status of this credential in all states.
For more information:
· View the Minimum Qualifications in Child Care Licensing Summary, by State/Territory
· Contact the program’s Department Chair, Dr. Gwen Parsons gparsons@hccfl.edu
This curriculum is from the current college catalog and is meant to provide prospective students with an example of courses taken in this degree/certificate. It is not intended to be used for graduation requirements. Students should consult an advisor for graduation information.
AS.CHILD.EDU (60 Credit Hours)
This program will prepare students for a variety of careers in the early childhood area and will give students the competencies and practical experience needed for the Staff Credential for the State of Florida. The course work focuses on the development, care, guidance and education of young children.
YEAR I – First Semester
†EDF 1005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession - 3 cr.
†EEC 1300 Planning the Early Childhood Program - 3 cr.
†ENC 1101 English Composition I - 3 cr.
YEAR I – Second Semester
†EDF 2085 Introduction to Diversity for Educators or *†EME 2040, Introduction to Technology for Educators - 3 cr.
†EEC 1401 The Family and Early Childhood Education - 3 cr.
†PSY 2012 General Psychology - 3 cr.
YEAR I – Third Semester
†DEP 2102 Child Development - 3 cr.
†EEC 2732 Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children - 3 cr.
Humanities General Education CORE - 3 cr.
YEAR II – First Semester
†EEC 1521 Operation of Early Childhood Center Management - 3 cr.
†EEC 1601 Observing and Recording Children Behavior - 3 cr.
†EEC 1603 Child Guidance or †CGS 2100, Computer Information Technology and Literacy - 3 cr.
†EEC 2271 Children with Special Needs - 3 cr.
Natural Sciences General Education CORE (EVR 1001C recommended) - 3 cr.
YEAR II – Second Semester
†AMH 2020 Modern American History or †POS 2041, American Government - 3 cr.
†EEC 2527 Legal and Financial Issues in Child Care - 3 cr.
†EEC1941 Child Care Practicum I - 3 cr.
MGF 1130 Mathematical Thinking - 3 cr.
YEAR II – Third Semester
†EEC 1943 Child Care Practicum II - 3 cr.
†ENT 1000 Introduction to Entrepreneurship - 3 cr.
†Courses symbolized by a dagger (†) are offered online in addition to the traditional delivery method. Online availability may vary by academic term.
*EME 2040 is a pre‐requisite for entry into the Bachelor of Science program in Early Childhood Education within the State of Florida. Students who intend to transfer to a University program should complete EME 2040.