Social Sciences/Human Services Division

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-aged 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.

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 unique program needs to develop age appropriate program 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.