Child Care, Diploma (655.4)

Diploma

This program is designed for individuals who desire entry-level positions in the area of child development. By enrolling in specialized courses designed for working with infants, toddlers and preschool-age children, students learn about the physical, emotional, social and cognitive care of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. They learn the job responsibilities of all staff working in the field and identify suitable career opportunities.

Weekly field observations and experiences are required throughout the course work in this program. Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.

Upon completion of the diploma, students can work as an aide in childcare agencies or centers, preschool programs, before and after school programs or private homes. Students who complete the diploma program, find employment in a child development center and meet additional credential requirements are eligible to apply for the nationally awarded Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. Additional CDA credential requirements and application can be found at www.cdacouncil.org.  To support student in this external process, CCAC offers ECD-109 Portfolio/Exam Prep for CDA (3 Credits) course for building CDA portfolio while preparing students for their CDA exam and classroom observation.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Integrate appropriate theories and practices, general and content knowledge and professional and pedagogical knowledge to create and implement developmentally appropriate experiences for children and their families.
2. Employ appropriate discipline terminology and professional tone in written and oral communication in descriptive and applied observation and documentation strategies to positively influence children’s growth and development.

Students can apply the credits earned in this diploma program toward a certificate or Associate degree in Early Education and Child Development. Upon completion of this program, graduates may seek employment as an early childhood educational aide or classroom support staff in licenses child care center, school-age child care staff, assistant group supervisor in preschool programs, before and after school programs, or private homes.