Description

The Child, Family, and Community Studies Career Pathway Certificate of Completion is designed to support students seeking careers in learning environments, education-focused organizations, and human service settings. The certificate is a step along the pathway to the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science. Students apply theories and applications to a broader perspective, including settings outside of school.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of primary theories used in early childhood development and education to support early learning.
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 and demonstration of understanding.
4. Use observations of children's behavior and demonstration of understanding to inform classroom practices within the context of curricular, environmental, and socioemotional considerations.
5. 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

Recommended:

• Complete ED 140 Introduction to Early Childhood Education before taking other Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses.

Other Entrance Requirements

Required:

• The ECE program requires a background check through the Oregon Employment Office-Child Care Division.
• Some field practicum sites may require documentation of current immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Please contact the program director if you have any questions.
• Students should review the program's policies and procedures in the COCC Early Childhood Student Handbook before beginning their coursework. 

Additional Program Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

• Background check ($0 to $70)
• Cost of mileage to and from field placement/practicum sites

Course Requirements

Advising Notes

Students intending to seek higher degrees or career opportunities in settings serving children and families may use the certificate to demonstrate coursework and field placement experience. Credits will apply toward the Head Start Re-authorization Act for highly qualified lead and assistant teachers and family advocates. Students considering the Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program through OSU-Cascades may use several courses (ED 140 Introduction to Early Childhood Education, PSY 202Z Introduction to Psychology II, SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology, FN 225 Human Nutrition) to meet HDFS program requirements. Students who are considering the elementary education licensure program through OSU-Cascades may be able to apply several courses. Connect with your advisor to explore options and additional classes which may be of benefit, such as college success courses, ED 243 Nutrition, Health and Safety for Young Children, and LIB 100 Introduction to Finding Information.

For current and potential students who have obtained a Child Development Associate or Step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry and who wish to apply this toward their AAS or certificates in Early Childhood Education, please speak with the program director, Amy Howell, to discuss options and next steps.

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:
  • Must provide evidence of background check clearance, preferably from the Central Background Check from the Oregon Dept. Early Learning and Care (DELC)
  • Adhere to the field placement contract.
  • Adhere to confidentiality, health-related and no-smoking policies as they pertain to field placement settings.

Sample Plan