Social Sciences/Human Services Division

The Early Childhood Teaching (PreK-Grade 4) program is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in the ECE field as well as provide the first 60-63 credits of the bachelor’s degree leading to PreK - Grade 4 Teacher certification. Graduates of this program may seek employment opportunities with Head Start and early childhood programs serving infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school-aged children. In addition, graduates may also seek employment as educational assistants or para-educators in public and private schools. 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.

Program Competencies

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 program and child development to plan, adapt, and implement a comprehensive program in early care and education settings.
• Apply knowledge of infant/toddler development including the unique program needs to develop age appropriate program and environment.
• Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic issues and 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.
• Utilize the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Education to demonstrate the development of a professional attitude.
• Utilize effective communication skills with children, colleagues, supervisors and parents.