Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College is a public institution of higher education with a very diverse student body offering multiple pathways for students interested in early care and education. These include:
- Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Development (61 credits)
- Certificate in Early Childhood Development focused on beginning courses needed for DEEC certification (18 credits)
- Certificate in Early Childhood Development with Child Development Associate Credential (27 credits)
- Community Education activities for credit and non-credit short-term courses to meet professional development requirements through the Early Childhood Development Institute (1-3 credits and non-credit)
Highlights
The Early Childhood Development Program serves all who are interested in working with young children in a variety of community settings meeting early care and education needs including child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs, family child care, social service organizations, and public pre-k programs. Students also may transfer to four-year colleges or universities in early child education, elementary education, human services work with families and children, special needs education, and related areas of study. Upon graduation the Early Childhood Development student will show competency in the following areas:
- Child development and learning. The student will use knowledge of child development and relationships with children and families to understand children as individuals and plan for their unique development by organizing environments which facilitate each child's physical, intellectual, linguistic, cognitive, creative, social, and emotional growth and learning.
- Curriculum development and implementation. Based on an understanding of how children learn, the student will design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using a variety of methods and materials to promote each child's development, social cooperation, and meaningful learning.
- Family and community partnerships. The student will work with parents, families, and community leaders to support growth and development of children by engaging each child in meaningful learning experiences in early care and education programs, at home with families, and within the community.
- Assessment and evaluation of children. The student will observe children in their care, and by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of various assessment methods, be able to analyze and synthesize information about children so as to improve their own work with children, parents, families, and communities.
- Professionalism and experiences with "best practices". The student will analyze, evaluate, and strengthen his/her work with children by reflecting upon effective practices, collaborating with other professionals in the field, including a faculty member who serves as a supervisor for this experience, and actually experiencing and practicing the work of a teacher with young children.
Upon graduation from the A.S. degree program, students will be eligible for Lead Teacher qualifications through the Department of Early Education and Care. Those pursuing Certificate programs may use the coursework for employment in the field to gain experience or may matriculate into the A.S. degree program using all course completed in the Certificate programs. Those taking credit or non-credit courses through Community Education may apply this work toward degree or certificate programs through the Early Childhood Development Institute (ECI) model. For more information visit the ECI model website.
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Additionally, BHHC accepts scholarships or third-party payments through employers for those eligible.
Student supports include: ESL Program, content based tutoring, one-on-one advising from faculty in early childhood program area. Additional support and resources are available through the Disability Services Office.
