FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program

What are my Career Options?
A two-year degree in Early Childhood Education prepares students for a variety of positions including preschool teacher, childcare center assistant, Head Start staff member, infant/toddler caregiver and nanny. With additional training students could head for a career as a public elementary school teacher, instructional assistant or center director. The course ECE 140 – Introduction to early Childhood Education – provides many more details about the possibilities.
Certificate or 2-year Degree:
Your decision may be influenced by a number of factors such as financial considerations, time limits, career goals, family or personal concerns and academic prowess. There are no universal right or wrong choices. You must decide which option is the better fit. In general, the certificate is most useful for those already employed in the field who want to upgrade their skills and for those with significant time or financial constraints. The AAS degree allows much greater employment flexibility as well as a transfer option. You can certainly change your mind – the certificate can easily be converted into the first year of the degree program.
Full or Part Time school:
Again, many factors will influence your decision. Many of our students also hold jobs and are limited to a part-time academic schedule. We try to rotate classes through the evening hours from year to year to give options to those who cannot attend during the day. Obviously, going to college part-time means that your degree progress will take longer than those who can attend full time.
Transfer:
Although it may not be a current part of your plan, the prospect of being able to transfer and earn a baccalaureate degree is an option for many. Our articulation agreement with Portland State University (Child and Family Studies Program; www.cfs.pdx.edu) provides a smooth transfer option. Please consult with your advisor for details about which general education coursework will be most appropriate. Any student who wishes to transfer at some point must be careful to plan well in advance with your advisor.
When can I enter the ECE Program?
The ECE program is open-entry—students can enter any term and take selected ECE program classes. Most ECE courses are offered only one time per year, which means that if you are unable to take a class when it is offered, you must wait an entire year for it to be scheduled again. The exceptions are: a) ECE140—Introduction to Early Childhood, b) Coop Level I & Level II and c) seminar ECE156 sections 1 & 2—all which are offered both Fall & Winter terms. ECE students must complete the 1st year courses before entering into their 2nd year. This will help ensure that each student has mastered the necessary content before moving on. Students whose schedules require taking courses out of sequence are likely to be at a disadvantage.
How much Coop must I take?
Students who graduate with an AAS degree will take 5 terms of Coop over 2 years, taking on increasing levels of responsibility for children and their routines and activities. This means students have over 500 hours of direct hands on experience with children.
When is Level I Coop offered?
Level I coop and seminar are offered Fall & Winter terms, which means you may have options about scheduling. However, the Child Development Center on campus can accommodate only a limited number of coop students—so placements are on a first come-first serve basis. Students interested in securing a Level I placement must contact the 1st-year ECE advisor ASAP. A signed permission by ECE advisor is required for registration in Level I coop and seminar.
Typical Coop hours:
All ECE students must keep morning hours available for Coop placement (anytime from 7:30 a.m. till 1 pm). Specific hours are as follows:
1. Level I Coop/Seminar hours/days are set and are as follows: Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. till Noon and Friday 9:30 a.m. till 11:20 am
2. Level II through Level V Coop hours are as follows: 12-hours per week (total) Students should anticipate working 2 to 3 days per week during the morning hours. Students must be available for minimum blocks of 3-hours and will have input into their assigned day and time slots for Level II coops and beyond. The additional 2-hour combined seminar and coop meeting varies.
General Education Courses:
Whether a student is pursuing a certificate or a 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education, general education classes are required as part of the degree completion. Refer to MHCC college catalog under “Certificate” or “Associate of Applied Science” degree (AAS) for specific general education requirements. It is imperative that each student meets with an advisor to review all program requirements, including general education courses.