Early Childhood Care and Education Basics Certificate (EC31)

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Basics certificate program includes three basic Early Childhood Care and Education courses that are needed for entry-level workers. The program provides an introductory course to the ECCE field; a child growth and development course; and a health, safety, and nutrition course.

NOTE: To be employed in a child care center licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, an individual must first complete a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination of the following: National fingerprint-based criminal history check; Georgia Child Abuse Registry; National Sex Offender Registry; and a State fingerprint-based criminal history records check and State child abuse registry for every U.S. territory, tribal land, or state in which the person has resided in the past five (5) years. Students must have a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination from the above list in order to complete program requirements. The cost of these record checks is at the student's expense and must be completed before participation in a practicum or internship, whether completing practicum or internship at a licensed Georgia child care center, private child care or public school.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in early care and education settings including childcare centers and Georgia Pre-K programs. Bright from the Start (BFTS), the regulatory agency in Georgia, requires the basic knowledge included in this TCC for a person to be a lead teacher in a childcare center and family day care center. (Bright from the Start recognizes this certificate as equivalent to a CDA for employment.)

Credit Required for Completion: Minimum of 9 credit hours

Curriculum

Occupational Courses

ECCE 1101	Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education	3
ECCE 1103	Child Growth and Development	3
ECCE 1105	Health, Safety and Nutrition	3