Mar 28, 2024  
2008-2009 Gainesville State College Catalog 
    
2008-2009 Gainesville State College Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Early Childhood Care and Education (Ages 0-5) (Teaching Certificate) (B.S.)


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Graduates of this major are qualified to teach in Head Start settings, Early Head Start settings, Pre-K programs, and private child care settings and are qualified to work as directors or center coordinators of child care programs, and social service public and private organizations. There is a critical need for well educated teachers working with children from birth to five based on well documented research. This research proves that children in high quality early childhood care and education settings are more likely to be emotionally secure, self-confident, more advanced intellectually, and better able to regulate aggression. Child care providers who receive education in early childhood development are more likely to provide the high quality care needed to reach these outcomes.  Candidates who complete the GSC B.S. in Early Childhood Care and Education program are caring and reflective decision makers who are committed to maximizing all students’ development as contributing citizens in a diverse and democratic society.  They balance professional dispositions and content knowledge with pedagogical skills as they collaboratively interact with students, families, and the community.

Entrance Requirements

  • Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements.
  • Declare a major in Early Childhood Care and Education.
  • Must have a 2.5 GPA to apply to the program
  • Complete a minimum of 42 general education credits
  • Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Complete Area F coursework
  • Post a passing score on GACE I test or its equivalent
  • Agree to request a criminal background check
  • Supply three letters of recommendation, letter of intent, disposition essay, and a signed liability insurance form.

Core Curriculum Area F (18 hours)


Required Courses

Major Course Requirements (32 hours)


Required Courses*

Concentration Requirements of the major (choose 28 hours)


Program Completion Requirements


  1. Successful completion of all courses required in the degree program (minimum 120 semester credits), including the lower division associate degree requirements.
  2. Successful completion of a minimum of 42 general education credits according to the distribution established by the college (Areas A-E) for its Associate of Science degree program.
  3. Successful completion of at least 39 credits of upper division coursework in the major (3000 and 4000 level courses with the ECDV prefix).
  4. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation.
  5. Grades of C or higher required in major courses.
  6. Passing score on the GACE ECCE Content Test.
  7. Meet the GA Professional Standards Commission technology requirement.
  8. Maintain a professional disposition and adhere to the PSC Code of Ethics.
  9. Successful completion of the Regents’ Test.
  10. Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of major courses in residency at GSC.
  11. Meet all other college graduation policies.

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