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 at a child care center? Consider our Foundations of Early Childhood Education Certificate.
This one-semester, 16 credit certificate provides students with the knowledge, techniques, and strategies to become qualified to be an early childhood teacher in Colorado. It meets or exceeds the education requirements for CDHS “Early Childhood Teacher (ECT).” CDHS also requires experience hours. Please visit the CDHS Office of Early Childhood website for more information on experience hours. Offered at all campuses and Online.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education Certificate
CDHS Office of Early Childhood
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 |
| ECE102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques | 3 |
| ECE103 | Guidance Strategies for Young Children | 3 |
| ECE220 | ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Faculty Recommendations:
1. Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 101).
Note: 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).
Note: 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.
Note: Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in Fall and at LC in Spring.
4. 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.
5. Guidance Strategies for Young Children (ECE 103).
Note: Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in the Fall semester and at LC in the Spring semester.
6. Curriculum Development: Methods & Techniques (ECE 220); Pre/Coreq: ECE 101 or ECE 238 may be taken concurrently.
Note: Offered Online every semester, including Summer. Offered at BCC and WC in Fall and at LC in Spring.
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.