Description

The Child, Family and Community Studies Career Pathway Certificate of Completion is designed to support students seeking careers in school and human service settings. The CFC Studies program is a step along the pathway to the AAS in Early Childhood Education. It invites students to apply theories and applications toward a broader perspective, including settings outside of school.

Learning Outcomes

1. Support early learning by understanding primary theories used in early childhood development and education.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the complexities which influence children’s learning and development, including social, culture, psychological, historical, and economic considerations.
3. Apply assessment and observation tools to understand children’s behavior, demonstration of understanding, and to then inform classroom practices such as curricular, environmental, and socioemotional considerations.
4. Build family and community relationships with specific focus to integrating knowledge of cultural diversity and equity in learning environments in and out of school settings.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

• None

Other Entrance Requirements

• Required:
  • The ECE program requires a background check through the Oregon Employment Office-Child Care Division.
  • Some field placement sites may require documentation of current immunizations.

Additional Program Costs (beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks)

Material Costs

• Background check ($3-$70)

• Cost of mileage to and from field placement/practicum sites.

Course Requirements

Advising Notes

Students with intentions to seek higher degrees or career opportunities in settings serving children and families may use the CFC Studies Certificate to demonstrate coursework and field placement experience. Credits will apply toward the Head Start Reauthorization Act for highly qualified lead and assistant teachers and family advocates. Students considering the HDFS program through OSU may use several courses (ED 140, PSY 202, SOC 201, FN 225) to HDFS program requirements.

Performance Standards

• Academic Requirements:
  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
  • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Adhere to the field placement contract.
  • Adhere to confidentiality, health-related and no-smoking policies as they pertain to field placement settings.
  • Refer to the COCC Early Childhood Student Handbook (https://www.cocc.edu/early-childhood-education/) for an explanation of each of the above policies.

Sample Plan