1. I would like information about the non-credit
child care training offered at the college, including the "90 hour" course.
Call 301-386-7545. Also, see the answer to question #2 below.
2. Does the credit program prepare me for "90
hour" certification?
Yes. Take ECE 151 and ECE 257. When you successfully complete both, bring your grade
report to Mrs. Mewshaw in the social science office (M2054, 301-322-0526). She can prepare
a letter explaining that you have "90 hour" credit. By taking these
courses in the credit program, you also will complete some work towards your college
degree.
3. I want to run my own child care center. What should
I do?
Enrolling in Curriculum 763, A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education, is a good way to
start. Many of our graduates are already running centers throughout the county. For
minimum requirements, check the resources listed for the next question. Remember that by
having more than the minimum qualifications, you will be able to offer children more and
have a more rewarding experience yourself.
4. What are the minimum child care and staff licensing
requirements?
On the Internet, check nrc.uchsc.edu. In Prince George’s County, the phone
number for the licensing office is 301-499-3600. Requirements differ by state and
sometimes, by city and county. By going beyond the minimum requirements with your
qualifications and standards for children, you will be in a better position to meet
requirements if you move or the requirements change.
5. I have taken courses at other colleges, or high
school courses in child development (Tech Prep) in Prince George’s Community College.
Will these count at Prince George’s Community College towards my degree?
They may. The only way to determine this is to contact the college counselors
(301-322-0151) to find out how to have your records sent to the college. High school
students must bring their Tech Prep certificates when they register. There is no
computer-based, automatic granting of credit. No adjustments to your program can be made
until the records have been evaluated. In addition, there are time limits. Act
quickly to avoid taking unnecessary courses!
6. I think I already know the material in some of the
courses. I have read a lot about child development, taken advanced college courses, taken
the "90 hour" non-credit course at the college, taken lots of non-credit
workshops, have some CDA credit or the CDA credential, and/or taught children for a number
of years. Can I place out of some of the courses?
There are several ways you can demonstrate your knowledge. If you succeed, based on test
scores and faculty assessment, you will be given credit for identified relevant courses,
provided you are enrolled at Prince George’s Community College. However, such credit
is less likely to transfer to four-year colleges than standard courses. Further,
such credit does not count for licensing purposes.
Challenge Exams
You may take challenge exams in the college testing center for credit for ECE 151, Introduction to Early Childhood
Education; ECE 257, Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education; ECE
165, Planning Programs for Infants and Toddlers; and, an elective course on
school-age child programs. These are closed-book, multiple choice exams covering the same material as
is included in the regular courses. Call the college testing office (301-322-0147) for
further details.
Portfolio Assessment
You may demonstrate mastery of content for several courses by preparing a detailed
portfolio for faculty review, according to specifications of the college portfolio
assessment office. The college faculty will assess your portfolio to determine whether
your work is sufficient, and of sufficient quality to meet course standards. Call the
college portfolio assessment office (301-322-0155).
7. I work full-time, Monday through Friday, during
regular business hours. Can I still complete the program?
Yes, as long as you can get to our evening and weekend courses on time (see the Schedule
of Classes). If your present job involves teaching young children (see the question
below), you may be able to complete ECE 254, Field Experience in Early Childhood Education
by doing your field experience at your regular work place. If not, you can take ECE 220 and ECE 221,
Internship in Special Education I and II on Saturdays instead, to complete your field work
requirements.
8. In the past, I taught young children. Can I receive
credit for ECE 254, Field Work in Early Childhood Education, or ECE 220 and ECE 221,
Internship in Special Education I and II?
No. You must be working with children the same semester(s) that you take the courses. The
courses involve receiving feedback on your performance from a cooperating teacher as well
as a college faculty member. In addition, there is an academic seminar weekly, with a
textbook, assignments, and tests.
9. Can I use my present job teaching children for ECE
254, Field Work in Early Childhood Education?
Yes, for early childhood/child care centers if 1) the center is
licensed; 2) the center is in Prince George’s County or Washington, D.C., or no more
than 5 miles off an exit off I-495, the Capital Beltway; 3) there is a cooperating teacher
who is willing to work closely with you and the college, and provide regular feedback; 4)
the center director approves of the arrangement; 5) you spend at least 12
regularly scheduled hours weekly
with the children during active learning times (mornings and/or early-mid afternoons); 6)
you can make arrangements to attend the weekly seminar (see the Schedule of Classes); and,
7) the children are under age 8.
Yes, for public schools in Prince George’s County if
1) there is a cooperating teacher who is willing to work closely with you and the college,
and provide regular feedback; 2) the principal approves of the arrangement; 3) you spend
at least 12 hours weekly with the children during active learning times (mornings and/or
early-mid afternoons); 4) you can make arrangements to attend the weekly seminar (see the
Schedule of Classes); and, 5) the children are under age 8 (third grade or
below).
If any of the above requirements cannot be met, students
can take ECE 220 and ECE 221, Internship in Special Education I and II.
10. I want to take ECE 254, Field Work in Early
Childhood Education, but I do not have a job working with children. Can the college help
me find a placement?
Yes, we can help you find several centers so that you can make your own choice.
11. Is there any alternative to ECE 254, Field Work in
Early Childhood Education?
Yes. You can take ECE 220 and ECE 221, Internship in Special Education I and II. Your
field hours will be scheduled Saturday mornings at the nationally renowned Children’s
Developmental Clinic on the campus of Prince George’s Community College. In the
afternoons, a related seminar will be held. Over two semesters, you can attain the six
field work credits needed to graduate.
These courses are an excellent opportunity for students
who wish to learn more about working with children with special needs, as well as students
whose regular jobs prevent them from taking ECE 254.
12. What are ECE 220 and ECE 221, Internship in Special
Education I and II all about?
See the response to question #11..
13. Can I receive the Certificate of
Mastery in Early Childhood
Education (curriculum 764) and then apply my courses to some of the degree requirements
for the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education?
Yes. All of the courses in curriculum 764 will count towards the A.A.S. degree
requirements.
14. Can I receive the Certificate of
Proficiency in Early Childhood Special Education, and then apply my courses to
some of the degree requirements for the Certificate of Mastery in Early
Childhood Education (curriculum 764) or the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood
Education (Curriculum 763)?
Yes. All of the courses in the Certificate
of Proficiency in Early Childhood Special Education will apply to both
credentials.
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