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.
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 238 | ECE Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 103 | Guidance Strategies for Young Children | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
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.
| ECE 102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques | 3 |
| ECE 157 | Family Dynamics | 1 |
| ECE 161 | the Team Process | 1 |
| ECE 220 | ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques | 3 |
| ECE 236 | Child Growth/Development Laboratory | 1 |
| ECE 260 | The Exceptional Child | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |