Early Childhood Education - Pre-Birth to Kindergarten Diploma
Program Description
Craven Community College’s Early Childhood Education Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure Transfer program prepares students to transfer into one of twelve University of North Carolina institutions to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth-Kindergarten Teaching. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of foundational theories of child growth, development, and learning, observation and assessment, planning, domains of development, guidance, and ways to effectively communicate with parents, children, and other professionals in the field. Learning opportunities and course assignments provide students with a strong foundation in evidenced-based and current principles to work with children, families, and the community. Students will show competency in the program by integrating learned theories with practice in early childhood settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.
Admission Criteria
Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency.
Transfer Opportunities
The AAS Early Childhood Education Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) LICENSURE TRANSFER option is the result of a statewide articulation agreement between the NC Community College System and the University of North Carolina. The AAS ECE degree does not guarantee students acceptance into any bachelor program at UNC institutions. ECE graduates must meet applicable admission criteria and polices designated by, and earn admission into, the UNC institution of their choice.
UNC System ECE to Bachelor in Birth-Kindergarten Teaching licensure option:
- Appalachian State University
- East Carolina University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University
- North Carolina Central University
- University of North Carolina Charlotte
- University of North Carolina Greensboro
- University of North Carolina Pembroke
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Western Carolina University
- Winston- Salem State University
Career Opportunities
The Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) license degree allows an individual to become a licensed teacher and work in a NC Pre-K classroom or in a kindergarten classroom. Along with a variety of careers such as (including, but not limited to):
- Child Development Specialist
- Program Directors
- Child Life Specialists
- Paraprofessionals in early special education
Contact Information
Dr. Terri Colon,
Lead Early Childhood Education Instructor colont@cravencc.edu
252-638-7239
Admissions Office
252-638-7430
Diploma Requirements
The following suggested schedule is based on full-time enrollment. Part-Time Students begin with ACA-111, EDU 119, EDU 131. Continue with sequence of required courses. General education courses may be taken at any time. For information about prerequisites and corequisites, please refer to the catalog.
Courses in this program
First Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 14
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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ACA-111 | 1 | ||
This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.
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EDU-119 | 4 | ||
This course introduces the foundations of early childhood education, the diverse educational settings for young children, professionalism and planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences for each child.
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EDU-131 | 3 | ||
This course covers the development of partnerships among culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing and supporting respectful relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators.
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EDU-153 | 3 | ||
This course covers promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of every child. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines, common childhood illnesses, maintaining safe and healthy, learning environments, health benefits of active play, recognition and reporting of abuse/neglect, and state regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply knowledge of NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development for health, safety, nutritional needs and safe learning environments.
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PSY-150 | 3 | ||
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology.
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Second Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 16
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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EDU-144 | 3 | ||
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from conception through approximately 36 months.
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EDU-145 | 3 | ||
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood.
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EDU-146 | 3 | ||
This course introduces evidence-based strategies to build nurturing relationships with each child by applying principles and practical techniques to facilitate developmentally appropriate guidance. Topics include designing responsive/supportive learning environments, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic influences on behavior, appropriate expectations, the importance of communication with children/families including using technology and the use of formative assessments in establishing intentional strategies for children with unique needs.
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EDU-234 | 3 | ||
This course covers the development of high-quality, individualized, responsive/engaging relationships and experiences for infants, toddlers, and twos. Emphasis is placed on typical and atypical child development, working with diverse families to provide positive, supportive, and engaging early learning activities and interactions through field experiences and the application of the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
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EDU-234A | 1 | ||
This course focuses on practical applications that support the healthy development of children birth to 36 months by applying principles of quality, individualized, responsive/engaging relationships and experiences. Emphasis is placed on typical and atypical child development, positive early learning experiences, supporting and engaging diverse families, providing safe, warm and nurturing interactions, and the application of the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
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ENG-111 | 3 | ||
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
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Third Semester
Semester Credit Hours: 12
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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EDU-151 | 3 | ||
This course introduces developmentally supportive creative learning environments with attention to divergent thinking, creative problem-solving, evidence-based teaching practices, and open-ended learning materials while applying NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Emphasis is placed on observation of process driven learning experiences in art, music, creative movement, dance, and dramatics for every young child age, birth through eight, integrated through all domains and academic content.
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EDU-221 | 3 | ||
This course covers atypical patterns of child development, inclusive/diverse settings, evidenced-based educational/family plans, differentiated instruction, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of exceptionalities and delays, early intervention/special education, transitions, observation, developmental screening, formative assessment of children, and collaborating with families and community partners.
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EDU-280 | 3 | ||
This course provides evidence-based strategies for enhancing language and literacy experiences that align with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Topics include developmental sequences for children's emergent receptive and expressive language, print concepts, appropriate observations/assessments, literacy enriched, environments, quality selection of diverse literature, interactive media, and inclusive practices.
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MAJ-001 | |||
MAJ-001 is a category of major electives and not a specific course name. To select the appropriate credit hours for this individual program, select Major Electives to view available class options.
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Major Elective
Students must select three credits from the following options. Contact an advisor for information on work based learning courses.
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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BUS-110 | 3 | ||
This course provides a survey of the business world. Topics include the basic principles and practices of contemporary business. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of business concepts as a foundation for studying other business subjects.
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EDU-125 | 3 | ||
This course is designed to provide students an introduction to sign language systems and technology in educational environments. Topics include receptive and expressive sign language usage including English-based systems, American Language, deaf culture and identity, assistive technology, and use of sign language as a classroom management strategy. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate at an introductory level using sign language, describe aspects of deaf culture and identity, and identify assistive technology for children with hearing loss in the education system.
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EDU-157 | 3 | ||
This course introduces physical activities to promote the development of the whole child, birth through middle childhood. Topics include active play, outdoor learning, design of the environment, development of play skills, loose parts play, nature play, risk benefit assessment, advocacy, and family/community connection. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the stages of play, the role of teachers in play, active play environments, advocate for the child's right to play, and plan and assess appropriate experiences using NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
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EDU-216 | 3 | ||
This course introduces the examination of the American educational systems and the teaching profession. Topics include the historical and philosophical influences on education, various perspectives on educational issues, and experiences in birth through grade 12 classrooms. Upon completion, students should be able to reflect on classroom observations, analyze the different educational approaches, including classical/traditional and progressive, and have knowledge of the various roles of educational systems at the federal, state and local level.
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EDU-235 | 3 | ||
This course includes developmentally appropriate practices in group settings for school-age children. Emphasis is placed on principles of development, environmental planning, and positive guidance techniques and program development. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss developmental principles for culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children ages five to twelve and plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs and activities.
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EDU-261 | 3 | ||
This course introduces principles and practices essential to preparing and supporting child care administrators. Topics include program philosophy, policies and procedures, NC Child Care Law and Rules, business planning, personnel and fiscal management, and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administration. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate a developmentally appropriate program philosophy, locate current state licensing regulations, analyze a business plan and examine comprehensive program policies and procedures.
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SPA-111 | 3 | ||
This course introduces the fundamental elements of the Spanish language within a cultural context. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills., Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to spoken and written Spanish and demonstrate cultural awareness.
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SPA-181 | 1 | ||
This course provides an opportunity to enhance acquisition of the fundamental elements of the Spanish language. Emphasis is placed on the progressive development of basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through the use of various supplementary learning media and materials. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to spoken and written Spanish and demonstrate cultural awareness.
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WBL-111 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-112 | 2 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-113 | 3 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-121 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-122 | 2 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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WBL-131 | 1 | ||
This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.
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