My Academic Plans (MAPs) are designed by faculty to better guide you in retention and completion. It is highly encouraged that you complete courses in the recommended order provided below in the notes section. You should work with an academic advisor to adjust your plan based on your scheduling needs.
My Academic Plan
Program Description
Interested in a career working with children as a support to teachers in an inclusive child care center? Consider our Early Childhood Education for Paraeducators Certificate.
This two-semester, 21 credit certificate prepares students to work as a preschool paraeducator, or “para,” to support teachers in inclusive classrooms. Students receive a wide range of knowledge and skills including a solid foundation in the normal patterns of growth and development, various disabilities, giftedness, developmentally appropriate teaching techniques, and learning styles of children with developmental delays.
Early Childhood Education for Paraeducators Certificate
This certificate has been developed as an open-entry/open-exit program for those currently employed or those seeking employment to work with developmentally delayed infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children in inclusive settings.
The coursework in this certificate provides students with the wide range of knowledge and skills including a solid foundation in the normal patterns of growth and development, various disabilities, giftedness, developmentally appropriate teaching techniques, and learning styles of children with developmental delays. These skills prepare paraprofessionals to be effective team members.
First Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.
| ECE101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE238 | ECE Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE236 | Child Growth/Development Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE103 | Guidance Strategies for Young Children | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Faculty Recommendations:
1. Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 101). Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC, LC and WC every Fall and Spring. Milestone Course.
2. ECE Child Growth & Development (ECE 238). Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in Fall and at LC in Spring.
3. Child Growth/Development Laboratory (ECE 236); Pre/Coreq: ECE 238 may be taken concurrently. Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in Fall and at LC in Spring.
4. Guidance Strategies for Young Children (ECE 103). Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in the Fall semester and at LC in the Spring semester.
Second Semester
Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.
| ECE102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques | 3 |
| ECE157 | Family Dynamics | 1 |
| ECE161 | the Team Process | 1 |
| ECE220 | ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques | 3 |
| ECE260 | The Exceptional Child | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Faculty Recommendations:
5. Introduction to Early Childhood Education Lab Techniques (ECE 102); Pre/Coreq: ECE 101 may be taken concurrently.
Note: Requires 60 hours of field work in an approved practicum site and a cleared criminal background check on file with FRCC. Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in the Fall semester and at LC in the Spring semester.
6. Family Dynamics (ECE 157).
Note: Offered Online in the Spring semester (if starting this certificate in the Spring, complete ECE 157 and ECE 161 in the first semester and complete ECE 103 in the second semester.
7. The Team Process (ECE 161).
Note: Offered Online in the Spring semester (if starting this certificate in the Spring, complete ECE 157 and ECE 161 in the first semester and complete ECE 103 in the second semester.
8. Curriculum Development: Methods & Techniques (ECE 220); Pre/Coreq: ECE 101 and ECE 238 may be taken concurrently.
Note: Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in the Fall semester and at LC in the Spring semester
9. The Exceptional Child (ECE 260); Pre/Coreq: ECE 238 or PSY 238.
Note: Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in the Fall semester and at LC in the Spring semester.
Students who place into CCR 093 or above may begin the coursework for this certificate. Students scoring below this level should consult with a faculty member before registering for courses in this program of study.