Early Childhood Professions

Welcome to our Early Childhood Education Program

Economic, social and education changes have made group child care a way of life for today's family. Because of these critical demands, many new opportunities are available in the child development field. CTC's Early Childhood Professions program provides students the needed skills and academic training to meet these demands. Childcare professions are growing rapidly as society recognizes the importance of the early childhood years in shaping the child's intellectual abilities.

Childcare professions are for you if you enjoy being with children, have strong communication skills, a sense of humor, like new challenges, are patient and comfortable working with different types of people. Childcare professionals perform a wide variety of tasks depending upon the specific child services area they pursue. Music, drama, computer science, health, counseling and art are a few of the skills used in the profession.

Employment in the area of child services, particularly care of young children, is expanding rapidly and is projected to increase through the year 2010. Demand is high in many jobs including child care assistant, child care provider, director, nanny, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school teacher.

Other Resources

Early Childhood Professions Course Descriptions

Click on Schedule Locations to see what Central Texas College Europe locations are offering this course for this term and the next few terms.

CDEC 1170 Deployment and Military Families - Credit Hours 1.0 - Schedule Locations

This course explores the effects of deployments on military families and children. Techniques for supporting children of military families during deployments will be covered.

CDEC 1171 American Sign Language - Credit Hours 1.0 - Schedule Locations

This course provides a forum to learn and to practice developmentally appropriate ASL along with providing creative ways to use sign with children both in the classroom and at home. Basic signs and useful phrases will be introduced that are specific to a child’s environment. Appropriate use of an ASL interpreter in the classroom will also be included.

CDEC 1172 Mentoring for Early Childhood Educators - Credit Hours 1.0 - Schedule Locations

This course covers an in-depth look at early childhood mentoring, an important professional facet of a teacher’s development. Students will explore what it means to be a mentor and work directly with new people entering into the early childhood field. This is a practical course designed to teach skills to new and experience mentors in Early Childhood Education.

CDEC 1173 Parenting for Healthy Families - Credit Hours 1.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course covers different models of parenting, and includes identification and reflection, of one’s chosen style of parenting. The effects of parenting methods on children as well as a model of parenting that is correlated with healthy children will be presented and taught.

CDEC 1174 Technology in the Classroom - Credit Hours 1.0 - Schedule Locations

This course is designed to teach the specific use of technology in the classroom, including preschool management software, recording children’s work, and current software available for brochures, flyers, etc., that will be used commonly for preschool/school settings. Recommended for the student who has completed 3 credit hours of computer studies.

CDEC 1195 Special Topics in Child Care Provider/Assistant - Credit Hours 1.0 - Schedule Locations

CDEC 1303 Families, School and Community - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the relationship between the child, the family, the community, and early childhood educators, including a study of parent education, family and community lifestyles, multi-culture instruction, child abuse, and current issues. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1311 Educating Young Children - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An introduction to the profession of early childhood education, focusing on developmentally appropriate practices, types of programs, historical perspectives, ethics, and current issues. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1313 Curriculum Resources for Early Childhood Programs - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Fundamentals of curriculum design and implementation in developmentally appropriate programs for young children. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1317 Child Development Associate Training I - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Based on the requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential. Three of the 13 functional areas of study include family, program management and professionalism. Topics on CDA overview, general observation skills, and child growth and development overview. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1318 Wellness of the Young Child - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of nutrition, health, safety, and related activities, including skill development in management of issues, guidelines, and practices in nutrition, as well as community health, hygiene, safety, and legal implications. Integration of these principles apply to a variety of settings. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1319 Child Guidance - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An exploration of common behavior problems of young children in an early childhood setting. Emphasis on positive guidance techniques for effective behavior management. Practical application through direct participation in an early childhood setting. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1321 The Infant and Toddler - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of appropriate infant and toddler (birth to 3 years) programs, including an overview of development, quality caregiving routines, appropriate environments, materials and activities, and teaching/guidance techniques. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1335 Early Childhood Development: 3-5 Years - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course covers the principles of normal growth and development from three to five years. Emphasis is on physical, emotional, and social development. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1354 Child Growth & Development - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the principles of normal child growth and development from conception to adolescence. Focus on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains of development. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1356 Emergent Literacy for Early Childhood - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children language and literacy through a play-based, integrated curriculum. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1358 Creative Arts for Early Childhood - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children music, movement, visual arts, and dramatic play through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1359 Children with Special Needs - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A survey of information regarding children with special needs including possible causes and characteristics of exceptionalities, educational intervention, available resources, referral processes, and the advocacy role and legislative issues. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1371 Physical Development and Disorder in Children - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course is designed for the paraprofessional working in integrated early childhood settings. Roles and responsibility of the paraprofessional, including IEP and ISFP lesson plan teaching strategies, and hands-on training in physical management and care skills of the child with special needs are emphasized. Instruction in basic sign language, and an overview of current learning technologies to assist the child with disabilities, is included. Emphasis is placed on methods and materials for promoting activities of daily living. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1391 Special Topics in Family Life and Relations Studies - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. The focus is on setting up a FDCH and activities for children. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 1393 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education and Teaching - Credit Hours 3.0 - Schedule Locations

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2307 Math & Science for Early Childhood - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children math and science concepts through discovery and play. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2322 Child Develop. Associate Training II - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A continuation of the study of the requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential. The six functional areas of study include safety, health, learning environment, self, social, and guidance. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2324 Child Develop. Associate Training III - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A continuation of the study of the requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential. The four functional areas of study are creative, cognitive, physical, and communication. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2326 Administration of Programs for Children I - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A practical application of management procedures for early care and education programs, including a study of operating, supervising, and evaluating programs. Topics on philosophy, types of programs, policies, fiscal management, regulations, staffing, evaluation, and communication. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2328 Administration of Programs for Children II - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An in-depth study of the skills and techniques in managing early care and education programs, including legal and ethical issues, personnel management, team building, leadership, conflict resolution, stress management advocacy, professionalism, fiscal analysis and planning parent education/partnerships, and technical applications in programs. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2340 Instructional Techniques for Children with Special Needs - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Exploration of development and implementation of curriculum for children with special needs. The focus is on how to adapt curriculum activities for children with special needs. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2341 The School Age Child - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of appropriate age (5 to 13 years) programs, including an overview of development, appropriate environments, materials and activities, and teaching/guidance techniques. All Early Childhood Professions courses have a requirement for 34 hours of lab except CDEC 1195 which has no lab and CDEC 2384 which has 225 hours of lab. Interaction with children is related to program outcomes. Some labs require observations in childcare facilities and schools.

CDEC 2388 Internship Child Care Provider/Assistant - Credit Hours 3.0 - Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer.

For more detailed information, you can view our course catalog in the Library Section of the CTC Web Pages.

If you have further questions about the Early Childhood Professions program at Cenral Texas College Europe, contact our CDEC staff via email, or visit your local CTC field representative.

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