Contact: Angela Connor (856) 225-6739
ude.sregtur.nedmacnull@ronnocbi
or
Ingrid Campbell (856) 225-6739
ude.sregtur.nedmacnull@cdirgni
The bachelor’s degree in Childhood Studies with an emphasis in early childhood provides students with a strong foundation in early childhood education theory and practice with the opportunity to focus on two academic specializations: practitioner (applied) or administration (leadership). The early childhood concentration program provides specialized preparation for students interested in working with children ages birth to eight. Field experience provides extensive opportunities to put theory into practice and occurs in multiple and diverse settings including: early childhood education centers, Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms and Preschool to Grade 3 public classrooms. Students that enroll within the practitioner track are eligible to apply for advanced standing in the Teacher Preparation Program P-3 teaching endorsement.
The practitioner track prepares students with the coursework necessary to teach young children effectively. Students following this track may also enroll in courses required in order to quality for the New Jersey State Infant/Toddler Credential. Students in this track may also pursue P-3 certification through collaboration with the Rutgers-Camden Teacher Preparation Program, conditional on: 1) successful completion of the academic requirements, and 2) recommendations from faculty teaching practitioner-track courses.
The administrative track provides the coursework and experiential experiences required to obtain the New Jersey Early Childhood Administrators Credential, which is required in New Jersey for those who seek to direct early childhood education centers.
Entrance Requirements
Both programs require the maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.9. Students seeking certifications must schedule interviews with the coordinator of the Early Childhood Education Tracks.
Students seeking certifications must enroll in appropriate Practica, or fieldwork courses. Only students in satisfactory standing in the program may take these courses, and enrollment requires State-mandated health screenings and a criminal background check.
ECE Courses
Core Courses-Early Childhood Concentration Required (9)
Psychology of Childhood 830:325
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Environments 163:391
Children and Culture 070:308
Practitioner Track Courses Required (9)
Designing an Early Childhood Environment 163:392
Curriculum Development I (CCC) HSR 133
Behavior Management in ECE (CCC) HSR 139
Administrator Track Courses Required (13)
Director’s Academy 163:395
Leadership Through Mentoring Practice in ECE* 163:396
Management and Budgetary Practice in ECE* 163:397
Principles of Effective Supervision in ECE * 163:398
(*These three courses make up the NJ ECE Administrators Credential)
Additional ECE Courses
RUTGERS-CAMDEN:
Infant Toddler Mental Health
Sociology of the Family
History of Childhood in America Literature of Childhood
Family Ethics Educational Psychology
Sociology of Education
CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE:
Children’s Health
Quantitative Concepts: Preschool
Creative Art:ECE
Social Studies & Science: Preschool
Language Arts and Emergent Literacy