Early Childhood Care and Education (Ages 0-5) (Teaching Certification) (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 (0-5)
Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply to the program
Complete a minimum of 42 semester hours of College credit
Complete Areas A & F coursework with grades of “C” or higher
Exempt GACE (SAT, ACT, or GRE) or submit passing scores
Agree to a criminal background check
Agree to a random drug test
Sign liability insurance form
Submit a letter of intent, write the disposition essay, submit three letters of recommendation
Submit completed application and pay the fee

Semester Core Curriculum (Areas A-E)

Refer to Core Curriculum

Core Curriculum Area F (18 hours)

Required if not in Area D

NOTE: Prerequisites for EDUC 2110

The Prerequisites for EDUC 2110 include 30 hours completed and grades of “C” or higher in Area A ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102. A 2.5 minimum GPA is required before enrolling in EDUC 2110.

General Requirements of the Major - 48 Hours

General Electives of the Major - 12 Hours

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

ECCE majors are encouraged to choose from courses listed below for the specified Areas B, D, and E:

AREA B Elective: COMM 1502, CSCI 1502, DVRS 1502, SLVN 1501 or MFLS 1502 or any 1002 Foreign Language course.

AREA D Elective: STAT 2400 or STAT 2400H Honors Statistics.

AREA E Elective: HIST 2111 or HIST 2111H or HIST 2112 or HIST 2112H, and GEOG 1101. (Note: PSYC 1101 is a prerequisite for EDUC 2130).

Program Completion Requirements

Successful completion of all courses required in the degree program (minimum 120 semester credits, plus P.E.), including the lower division Associate Degree requirements.
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.
Successful completion of 60 credits of upper division coursework in the major (3000 and 4000 level courses with the ECDV prefix with grades of “C” or higher). 30 semester hours must be in residency at GSC.
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) required for graduation.
Successful completion of all field and clinical experiences.
Successful completion of the US and Georiga legislative requirements.
Complete the GACE content tests for Early Childhood Care and Education.
Maintain a professional disposition and adhere to the PSC Code of Ethics.
Meet all other college graduation policies.