Early Childhood Education Technology
Find Your Wings
The Early Childhood Education Technology program provides preparation for a professional career in the discipline of Early Childhood Education. This program includes classroom instruction, supervised child care center/Pre-K lab experiences, and work-based learning experiences. Students develop competencies that enable them to provide services, teach, and guide young children, ages birth to eight.
The curriculum meets the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation and the Mississippi Department of Education Standards and Guidelines for Infants Through Four Year Old Children. Successful completion of the Early Childhood Education Technology curriculum results in the students receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Transfer students from other Early Childhood Education Technology programs must have
a letter of recommendation from the Program Coordinator at their previous school and
take at least twelve (12) hours or three (3) Early Childhood Education classes at
Meridian Community College prior to enrolling in Initial and Advanced Practicums.
Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements) must
include one of the following:
- Attain a 15 composite score on the ACT;
- Score 230 on the ACCUPLACER NG Reading Section and the ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Section;
- Earn a “C” or above in Intermediate English and Reading (ENG 0124);
- Complete 15 semester hours of general education coursework with an average of “C” or above at an accredited college or university. Developmental coursework does not satisfy this requirement; and
- Attend an orientation session with the program coordinator after all other requirements are met.
Students entering the program for the first time must contact the program coordinator prior to enrolling in any early childhood education courses.
All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting
and background checks, which will be done after admission and prior to practicum classes.
These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that
will prevent an individual from being eligible to participate in this program. If
a student is unable to participate in practicum classes, he/she will be dismissed
from the program. For additional information, contact the program coordinator.
All students must have their Health 121 Form and Fingerprint clearance letter on file
with the program coordinator.
Progression: To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete
the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade
of “C” or higher is required in each CDT course to progress in the program.
Students in the Early Childhood Education Technology Program must attend MCC full-time
(15 or more semester credit hours).
FIRST YEAR | FIRST SEMESTER | ||
Course Number | Course | Hours |
---|---|---|
CDT 1111 | Early Childhood Education Seminar |
1 |
CDT 1113 | Early Childhood Profession | 3 |
CDT 1313 | Creative Arts for Young Children | 3 |
CDT 1214 | Infant and Toddler Development | 4 |
CDT 1343 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
ENG 1113 | English Composition I | 3 |
Semester Hours | 17 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
CDT 1121 | Early Childhood Education Seminar II |
1 |
CDT 1224 | Preschool Development | 4 |
CDT 1713 | Language & Literacy Development | 3 |
CDT 2714 | Social Studies, Math & Science for Young Children | 4 |
CDT 2233 | Guiding Social & Emotional Behavior | 3 |
SPT 1113 | Principles of Speech | 3 |
Semester Hours | 18 |
SECOND YEAR | FIRST SEMESTER | ||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
CDT 2111 | Early Childhood Education Seminar III | 1 |
CDT 2413 | Development of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
CDT 2613 | Methods, Materials & Measurement | 3 |
Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
CDT 2513 | Family Dynamics and Community Involvement | 3 |
CDT 2914 | Initial Practicum | 4 |
Semester Hours | 17 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
Course Number | Course Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
CDT 2121 | Early Childhood Education Seminar IV |
1 |
CDT 2944 | Advanced Practicum | 4 |
CDT 2813 | Administration of Programs for Young Children | 3 |
College Algebra/Science with Lab | 3/4 | |
Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
Semester Hours | 14/15 | |
Total Semester Hours | 66/67 |
- Early Childhood Educator (birth to 5 years)
- Childcare Center Director (with 2+ years experience)
- Pre-K Assistant Teacher
- Head Start Assistant Teacher
- Creative Arts for Young Children
- Child Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Language and Literacy Development
- Social Studies, Math & Science for Young Children
- $19,240 - $23,400 (MDES Labor Market Occupational Wages)