Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Educator (ITC)
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: STEM and Education
This one year early childhood certificate prepares new students, as well as those who are working in the field wanting to continue their education, for professional work with children from birth to 3 years of age. This program includes a series of courses designed to develop competencies in the areas of child development, special needs, curriculum planning, and health and safety in infant and toddler education. Direct work and observation of children under the age of 3 are an essential part of this certificate.
Since the program involves a field placement(s) working with vulnerable populations, students are required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Depending on the contents of a student's CORI and/or SORI, placement may be denied. Students who are unable to participate in the field placement(s) will not meet program requirements.
First Year
Fall
| ECE101 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE208 | Infants and Toddlers at Risk | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Spring
| ECE104 | Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| ECE242 | Field Placement and Seminar in Infant/Toddler Education | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Summer 1
| ECE103 | Supporting the Young Child's Physical and Mental Health | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 18
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge about the issues of development, including major theories of development.
- Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum based on how infants and toddlers learn best, including individuality, inclusion, and diversity in all areas of the curriculum.
- Assess their competence in evaluating their attitudes towards very young children.
- Develop positive attitudes with very young children, including enhancing language development and helping very young children begin to learn to manage their own behavior.
- Implement assessment tools responsibly.
- Demonstrate the skills to collaborate with a team.
- Build partnerships with families through effective communication and interactions.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the profession by recognizing ethical guidelines and early learning standards and guidelines.
- Reflect on their development as a person and an educator and on their pursuit of ongoing professional development.
Occupational Skills for Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
Applicants to the Early Childhood Education Programs at North Shore Community College must possess skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of education. In order to achieve the Degree in Early Childhood Education or to become a Lead Teacher, qualified Candidates must be able to possess the following occupational skills with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physical Capabilities: Candidates must have sufficient motor function and strength so that they can independently, safely lift, and carry a child under the age of six or up to fifty pounds, stoop, kneel, sit on the floor, push and pull equipment and have the dexterity to care for and support children’s needs.
Sensory/Observation Capabilities: Candidates must have functional use of all senses (seeing, hearing) with capabilities to observe and monitor behavior, child interactions, curriculum experiences and individual needs both indoors and outdoors in order to maintain safe, responsive, and productive environments.
Communication Capabilities: Candidates must be able to clearly communicate in the “Language of learning which is English”, both orally and in writing (Bilingual/Multilingualism is seen as an asset). Written information would include detailed written observations, ongoing written assessments of children’s skills and abilities, daily updates, and letters to families. Oral communication would include daily conversations with children, parents, team members, and faculty and an understanding of non-verbal cues in interpersonal encounters.
Cognitive Capabilities: Candidates must be able to develop the abilities to reason, analyze, predict, integrate, and evaluate. Problem-solving as well as planning and design are critical skills for educators and require all of these cognitive abilities. Candidates must be able to perform these abilities in a timely manner for effective classroom management.
Behavioral Capabilities: Candidates must possess the emotional, mental, and physical health required for full use of their cognitive abilities, the exercise of sound judgment, and prompt completion of all responsibilities related to teaching and learning. Candidates must be able to nurture mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with peers, team members, parents, and the school community. Candidates must be able to function safely, remain alert to surroundings and potential emergencies and react effectively and calmly under stressful situations. Candidates must maintain personal hygiene consistent with close personal contact associated with working in a classroom and school community and remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment.
Professional Capabilities: Candidates must communicate an understanding of basic principles of supervision, codes of ethical conduct, and confidentiality and can display attitudes/actions consistent with the ethical standards of the profession. Candidates must demonstrate good attendance, integrity, and honesty in classrooms and in professional work encounters. Candidates must communicate effectively with children, families, and co-workers of the same or different cultures, with respect, politeness, collaboration, teamwork, and confidentiality.
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- ECE242 - Field Placement and Seminar
Most Common Linked Occupation Title - All Education Levels
Most Common Linked Occupation Title - Associate's or Less
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- Boston MSA - 9.9%%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) - $22,000