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Honolulu Community College

Human Services

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

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Do you want to influence and shape the lives of young children and their families? If so, our Early Childhood Education (ECED) program is a great place to start.

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About the Program

Our Early Childhood Education (ECED) is designed to allow you to meet the requirements for various levels of entry into the early childhood field and, if you choose, articulate with UH Mānoa’s and UH West O‘ahu’s bachelor’s degree programs in Education.

Our ECED program consists of two pathways: Infant–Toddler option or Preschool option. Both options combine class assignments with field experience (practicum), and take place on-campus and in the community. Upon completion of either option, you’ll have met the requirements for various levels of entry into the early childhood field!

You’ll have an opportunity to earn various certificates as you progress through the program, leading to an associate’s degree. There are also childcare facilities on-campus at Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Leeward Community College, where you can gain practical, real-life experience working with young children during your practicum.

If you have a National Child Development Association (CDA) credential that is still valid, you may be eligible to receive college credit. For more information, contact the ECED program counselor.

Criminal history record checks are a workplace requirement in early education and care settings. The criminal history record check must be completed satisfactorily within two weeks of enrollment into ECED 191, Field Based Practicum in Early Childhood. The cost of the record check, currently $24, is the responsibility of the student.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are program goals that describe what you will gain from this learning experience. They are located in the program descriptions in the College Catalog.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards describe some of the essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills that are necessary for successful participation in and completion of courses in this curriculum.

Thinking Skills

General

Apply concepts from child development research and best practices in the field to work effectively with children and their families.

Specific
  • Do simple research using library and Internet resources.
  • Solve interpersonal problems with and between children.
  • Make decisions about program environment and curriculum.
  • Resolve issues involving childcare staff and families.

Sensory/Observation Skills

General

Assess children’s behavior and environment for care and safety.

Specific
  • Observe children at a distance and close at hand.
  • Perceive children’s verbal and nonverbal cues and respond appropriately.
  • Scan environment and facilities for safety purposes.

Motor Skills

General

Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to perform education and care routines for children.

Specific
  • Manipulate materials and equipment such as scissors, puzzles, computers, and CD players.
  • Provide safe and nurturing contact to promote healthy development.
  • Safely lift and transport children during care routines such as diapering or feeding.
  • Interact with children at varying heights.
  • Evacuate children in cases of emergency.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively to gather and convey information and guidance.

Specific
  • Share information with children, family members, and colleagues through notes, meetings, and phone calls, etc.
  • Understand and respond to information received from children, family members, and colleagues through notes, newsletters, portfolios, written reports, meetings, and phone calls, etc.
  • Communicate clearly with groups of children during indoor and outdoor activities.
  • Write clearly with and for children.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately and safely in a childcare environment.

Specific
  • Demonstrate maturity and sensitivity in dealing with children and adults.
  • Exercise good judgement to respond promptly and responsibly to children’s needs.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Use appropriate interpersonal skills.
  • Follow safety procedures.

Environmental Tolerance

General

Function safely in a childcare lab and playground.

Specific

Work for prolonged periods amidst: Dirt, dust, and odors, Residue from cleaning products

In addition to the Tuition, other costs include:

  • Textbooks and supplies: Approximately $500 for the program
  1. Apply to Honolulu Community College.
  2. Prerequisites: Placement in ENG 100

Degrees & Certificates Offered

Associate in Science Degree Program

The Associate in Science (AS) degree program in combination with six months of work experience will prepare you for immediate employment as a teacher in private early childhood programs for infants and toddlers or preschoolers. With 12 months of full-time experience, graduates with the AS degree meet the requirements of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) to be directors of early childhood programs. The course of study leading to the AS degree is developmentally based and emphasizes observation and opportunities to participate in programs with children through class assignments and field experiences, both on campus and in the community. The program will provide you with varied opportunities to develop your skills for working with children and families and with a general understanding of the field of early education and care. Upon successfully completing this degree, you may transfer to the Early Childhood Concentration in the Social Sciences Program at the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu. The AS degree in Early Childhood Education meets all requirements of that program for lower division course work. To complete the degree, you must demonstrate proficiency at the English 100 and Math 100 levels. To successfully complete the program, you must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.

Certificate of Competence in Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation

The Certificate of Competence in Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation is obtained by completing three courses which meet the formal training requirements of the national CDA credential. You must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.

Certificate of Competence in Early Childhood Education

The Certificate of Competence in Early Childhood Education requires a 16-credit sequence designed to give you the most basic skills needed to work with children from infancy through eight years of age. This certificate also meets the ECE/CD coursework requirements of DHS for teachers and lead caregivers, who hold an AAS, AS, AA or Bachelor’s degree in a field other than early childhood. You must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.

Certificate of Achievement in Preschool

The Certificate of Achievement-Preschool is obtained by completing 32 credits of core courses in Early Childhood Education. It meets the requirements for coursework in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) for teachers in Early Childhood Programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children who hold an AAS, AS, or AA not in ECE/CD. You must earn a “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.

Articulation Agreements

Other Resources

Careers

Many of our Early Childhood Education graduates have gone on to careers in the occupations listed below:

Visit the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more information.

Degrees & Certificates Offered
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (CA)
  • Certificate of Competence (CO)
Course Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships

First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance which may help to cover your tuition and any additional costs. For more information about Financial Aid and FAFSA, visit Financial Aid Overview.

Next, see if you may qualify for Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarships page for available scholarships.

Get Started

HonCC offers more than 23 academic programs offering 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates to prepare you for a lifetime of meaningful work.

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