Early Childhood Studies Microcredentials - SUNY Niagara

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Four young children sit side by side in front of a light-colored brick wall, smiling and looking at the camera. They wear colorful clothes, and one girl wears a pink flower headband.

Early Childhood Studies Microcredentials

Program Description:

This series of six courses (13 academic credits) introduces the student to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Topics related to the education of infants and children birth to 6 years will be covered including, but not limited to, a history of ECE, andCDA competencies including

  • Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
  • Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
  • Supporting children’s social and emotional development
  • Building productive relationships with families
  • Managing an effective program operation
  • Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
  • Observing and recording children’s behavior
  • Understanding the principles of child development and learning

Students will be required to complete a 135 hour internship with a pre-school or childcare setting. This microcredential aligns with the subject areas and competency standards outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Career Path:

  • Early Childhood Studies Microcredential
  • Early Childhood Studies Certificate (recognized by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care Services)
  • Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Sciences

Student Learning Objectives:

  1. To identify the attributes typically needed to achieve success as a teacher or human services professional.
  2. To recognize the normal progression of physical, motor, social and emotional, and cognitive and language development.
  3. To examine historical, legal, and socio-cultural contexts affecting persons with disabilities and their families.
  4. To identify areas of bias and how they affect children, describe what an anti-bias attitude is and reflect on personal biases and assess their appropriateness.
  5. To compile and create a portfolio of academic and career achievements.

 

  • ECE 250 Birth to Age 6, 4 credits
  • ECE 212 Literacy & Language Development in Early Childhood, 2 credits
  • ECE 200 Early Childhood Education Internship, 4 credits
  • ECE 205 Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior, 1 credit
  • ECE 215 Leadership Skills for Teachers, 1 credit
  • ECE 220 Career Portfolio Development, 1 credit
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