CONCENTRATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES (Associate’s)
For those of you that want to work in the field of child care there is a lot of flexibility. Students who want to teach in child care or preschool settings seem to prefer either EDUCATIONAL STUDIES or COMMUNITY and HUMAN SERVICES with a concentration in EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES. You are qualified to be a Head of Group for preschoolers in NY if you have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field. Infant Toddler Teachers require a little more specific training in infant and toddler care. You can visit the required staff qualifications in the regulations through the following NYS OCFS link: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/daycare_regulations.asp
Some of the recommended ESC courses include:
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Exploring the Professions: Children and Child Care
- Human Development, Child Development or Infant Toddler Development (select 1)
- Health and Nutrition for Children
- Attachment in Early Childhood
- Curriculum and Environments for Preschoolers and/or Curriculum and Environments for Infants and Toddlers
Many of the guidelines for both areas of study can be met with this assortment of courses although you will probably need to fill in a few gaps. Other excellent options at the intro level include; Children’s Literature, Early Childhood Professionalism, Family, & Culture, Creative Arts for Young Children, and Observation & Assessment of Children. There is a wide variety of independent studies available in the Learning Opportunities Inventory.
CONCENTRATION: CHILD CARE ADMINISTRATION (Bachelor’s)
Students who want to manage a child care or preschool program could select EDUCATIONAL STUDIES or COMMUNITY and HUMAN SERVICES with a concentration in CHILD CARE ADMINISTRATION. In New York, the Office of Children and Family Services requires the person responsible for supervision to have a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 12 credits in early childhood, child development, or related coursework. You can visit the required staff qualifications through the following NYS OCFS link: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/daycare_regulations.asp
In some cases you are qualified to manage a child care program with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood and the Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC). Please visit the tab for NYS Credentials to determine if the CPAC is appropriate for you.
It is recommended that you begin with foundational courses (at least 18 credits in child development and related courses):
- Human Development, Child Development, or Infant-Toddler Development (select 1)
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Children’s Programs
- Curriculum and Environments for Preschoolers and/or Curriculum and Environments for Infants and Toddlers
- Attachment in Early Childhood
- Technology and Young Children
Then go on to develop a solid concentration with the following courses (20 credits in upper level management coursework):
- Children’s Programs: Administration, 4 credits
- Children’s Programs: Ethical and Professional Standards, 4 credits
- Children’s Programs: Financial Planning and Budgeting, 4 credits
- Children’s Programs: Design and Supervision, 4 credits
- Children’s Programs Administration: Capstone, 4 credits
Child care is a very flexible field. None of these specific courses are required, but they will help you develop a solid plan that will help you find success in your chosen field. As always, your mentor will help you determine which courses are appropriate for you within the area of study guidelines. Good luck!
