Preparing You for State Certification in Early Childhood Education

Columbia Gorge Community College’s Early Education and Family Studies program is designed to accommodate the part-time and full-time student. Early Education courses can be used to fulfill training and education requirements for family child care providers and child care teachers in Oregon.

The National Association for the education of Young Children’s (N.A.E.Y.C.) minimum suggested training for teachers is:  

• An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education (E.C.E.).

• All courses and competencies mastered at the certificate level apply to the A.A.S. degree.

• Early education classes meet state continuing education requirements for teachers and family child care providers.

While in the program, students must:

• Receive a grade of “C “ or better in every required early education class in order to receive a certificate or degree

• Meet practicum competencies for the certificate and degree.

Practicum

Practicum (student teaching) is a required component of the program. Practicum allows students to develop skills in working with children in a group setting using developmentally appropriate methods.  Link to:  Practicum Handbook (pdf)

Before students can begin practicum they must have:

• Submitted a documentation of registration with Oregon’s Criminal History Registry   http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/CCD/pages/on-line_application_informationpage.aspx
• Proof of measles immunization (click on link)
• Current Food Handler’s Card

• Infant/Child First Aid, CPR Cards

Forms/other resources you will need:

• Request for Practicum I & II Placement
• Request for Advanced Practicum Placement
• Practicum Time Sheet
• Practicum Web Resources
• Special Circumstances Form

Students are advised to begin gathering this documentation early (well before practicum begins). Students who have not submitted the required documentation to their practicum instructor may not begin practicum.

Portfolio

Each student in the Early Education & Family Studies program will assemble a portfolio throughout their time in the program. The portfolio is a collection of student work that demonstrates the student’s growth over time as an early childhood educator.  The Portfolio Handbook will serve as a guide as you develop your portfolio.

Degrees and Certificates

In this program you can earn the following:

• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Education and Family Studies
• Early Childhood Certificate