Early Childhood Education Program

Early Childhood Education Mission and Program Outcomes

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Mission

The mission of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Truckee Meadows Community College is to provide professional preparation for students for careers in Early Care and Education, who will seek to enrich the quality of life for all children and families, and the diverse communities in which they work and live.

Program Outcomes

The following five Program Outcome Statements align with the NAEYC Accreditation Standards for two-year degree programs in Early Childhood Education.

Program Outcome for Standard 1: Child Development & Learning

Students will know, understand, and be able to apply research and theories of child growth and development, including characteristics/milestones of development, in their work with individual children and children in groups, "to create learning environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children" (NAEYC, 2003).

Program Outcome for Standard 2: Families & Communities

Students will know about, understand, and value the complex and diverse nature of families and the importance of communicating with and building relationships with families to appropriately involve them in their child(ren)'s development and learning; and to support families in their community with resources.

Program Outcome for Standard 3: Assessment

Students will know about, understand, and work responsibly with families and other professionals to appropriately use a variety of assessment strategies including observation, documentation, and assessment tools to evaluate children's development and learning.

Program Outcome for Standard 4: Teaching & Learning Strategies

Students will know about, understand, apply and integrate aspects of early childhood teaching and learning based on developmentally appropriate theories and practices including: the importance of supportive teacher-child relationships; the use of effective teaching strategies and approaches including a variety of curriculum models; the importance of the development of the whole child through play and active learning utilizing all curriculum areas and classroom learning centers; how to adapt and modify curriculum for individual children, including children from diverse backgrounds and those with special needs; and the use of positive guidance strategies.

Program Outcome for Standard 5: Professionalism

Students will know about, understand, and engage in activities that identify them as members of the early childhood education profession including: the importance of a personal professional development plan; participation in professional organizations and activities; upholding the key principles of the Code of Ethical Conduct; working in collaboration with other students and professionals to enhance knowledge and practice; reflecting on and critically evaluate a variety of perspectives on current issues in early care and education; the importance of informed advocacy for children and the profession.