Early Childhood Program Management

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Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Early Childhood Program Management option of the Early Childhood program is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in the ECE field. While this program places emphasis on the program management aspect, graduates will be qualified to serve as group supervisors and educators in Head Start and early childhood programs serving infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school-ages children. Graduates may also seek employment as educational assistants or paraeducators in public and private schools. In addition, graduates with five years experience may also seek employment as supervisors, managers, and directors in PA Department of Welfare licensed facilities. Students entering this curriculum may find it necessary to attend the summer sessions to fulfill their degree requirements within two years.College credit may be granted through Tech Prep articulation agreements between RACC and approved secondary schools.

Required Program of Study

See Curriculum Guide
Course Number Semester Course Title Credits
ORI102 Fall College Success Strategies 2
ECE115 Integrated Arts in EC 3
ECE105 Early Childhood Professional 3
ECE140 Health, Safety & Physical Education 3
COM121 English Composition 3
PSY130 General Psychology 3
ECE120 Spring Observation & Assessment of Young Children 3
ECE227 Infant & Toddler Care 3
COM141 Technical Writing 3
EDU210 Planning & Instruction 3
PSY210 Child Psychology 3
IFT110 Microcomputer Applications 3
ECE220 Fall Curriculum Development & Instruction Materials 3
ECE222 Emerging Literacy 3
MAT150 Foundations of Math 3
SPE100 Intro to Special Education 3
ENV130 The Environment 3
ECE260 Spring ECE Practicum 3
ECE261 Family & School Relations 3
ECE235 EC Porgram Leadership 3
HUM--- Humanities Elective 3
Total Credit Hours Required for the Program 62

For further information, contact the Program Coordinator.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Plan and set up an environment designed to support and encourage the development of the creative process in inclusive early care and education settings.
  • Employ appropriate, observable assessment and behavior guidance techniques in inclusive early care and education settings.
  • Analyze and relate historical, social, economic, and philosophic bases for current practice and trends in early childhood education.
  • Develop and implement health, safety, and nutrition policies that comply with regulatory standards.
  • Apply knowledge of early childhood curriculum and child development to plan, adapt, and implement a comprehensive curriculum in early care and education settings.
  • Apply knowledge of infant/toddler development including unique program needs to develop age appropriate curriculum and environment.
  • Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic issues, issues of attachment and family structures on the development of the child.
  • Demonstrate managerial and supervisory skills required for day-to-day operations of early care and education settings.
  • Evaluate the role of leadership and advocacy for public policy issues related to children and families.
  • Utilize the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Education to demonstrate the development of a professional attitude.
  • Apply knowledge of communication skills in relationship to organizational management and leadership.

Please note: These programs can be pursued on a part-time basis.
Appropriate placement test scores, or the completion of certain developmental courses, are required for all programs of study. Additional prerequisites may be necessary for some courses and can be found in the course descriptions section of the catalog.
It is recommended that students confer with their advisor when selecting electives.