Early Childhood & Youth Development - A.A.S. Degree - Dakota County Technical College | DCTC - a 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs to the Twin Cities, MN

Early Childhood & Youth Development - A.A.S. Degree

This program prepares students for employment in a variety of early childhood and youth settings. Courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teachers and teachers in a child care setting. Students learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health and safety, cultural sensitivity and techniques for promoting learning in young children. This program is available in the classroom and many courses are also available online. Additionally, it links with a selection of four-year colleges for completion of advanced degrees.

The following outcome requires a clear MN Criminal Background Study.

Recommended Course Sequence

Download Early Childhood & Youth Development Datasheet

Core Courses

Course Title	Credits
ECYD 1100 Introduction to Early Childhood Careers ECYD - 1100: Introduction to Early Childhood Careers Description ECYD 1100 This course provides an overview of the early childhood field, including theories, philosophies, missions, and regulations. It examines the roles and responsibilities of professionals in a variety of career settings, including child life. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 11/22/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD1100 — PDF	3
ECYD 1210 Child Growth and Development ECYD - 1210: Child Growth and Development Description ECYD 1210 This course examines the major developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence in the areas of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Also emphasizes interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methods, students will observe children and analyze characteristic of development at various stages. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/23/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD1210 — PDF	3
ECYD 1220 Health, Safety, and Nutrition ECYD - 1220: Health, Safety, and Nutrition Description ECYD 1220 An introduction to the regulations, standards, policies, and procedures, prevention techniques, and early childhood curriculum related to health, safety, and nutrition. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for both children and staff will be identified, as well as the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. A focus will be on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 11/10/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD1220 — PDF	3
ECYD 1230 Guiding Children's Behaviors ECYD - 1230: Guiding Children's Behaviors Description ECYD 1230 This course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood setting. It also examines ways to establish supportive relationships with children and guide them in order to enhance learning. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 11/10/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD1230 — PDF	3
ECYD 1240 Learning Environment and Curriculum ECYD - 1240: Learning Environment and Curriculum Description ECYD 1240 Presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children. Examines the role of the teacher in providing learning experiences to meet each child's needs, capabilities, and interests, and ways to implement the principles of developmentally appropriate practices. Will provide and overview of content areas including (but not limited to): Language and literacy, social and emotional learning, sensory learning, art and creativity, math and science. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD1240 — PDF	3
ECYD 1310 Infant and Toddler Caregiving ECYD - 1310: Infant and Toddler Caregiving Description ECYD 1310 This course examines developmental theory and caregiving skills unique to infants and toddlers. Also included are strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, environment and research-based curriculum models that are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 2 Effective Dates: 08/26/2013 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD1310 — PDF	2
ECYD 1325 Observation and Assessment ECYD - 1325: Observation and Assessment Description ECYD 1325 This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play and learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, multiple assessment tools and portfolios are explored. There will be a focus on increasing objectivity in observing and interpreting children's behavior, observing developmental characteristics and increasing the awareness of normal patterns of behavior. Prerequisite: ECYD 1210 or Instructor Permission Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD1325 — PDF	3
ECYD 1340 Curriculum Planning ECYD - 1340: Curriculum Planning Description ECYD 1340 Provides an advanced level of curriculum planning. Emphasis is on organizing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curricula. Prerequisite: ECYD1240 Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD1340 — PDF	3
ECYD 1410 Infant and Toddler Field Experience ECYD - 1410: Infant and Toddler Field Experience Description ECYD 1410 This course provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in both infant and toddler settings. Students will implement a variety of learning experiences and interactions that are developmentally and culturally sensitive to infants and toddlers. Prerequisites: ECYD 1210 or ECYD 1310 and instructor permission. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 1 Effective Dates: 08/26/2013 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD1410 — PDF	1
ECYD 1510 Practicum I ECYD - 1510: Practicum I Description ECYD 1510 In this course students will demonstrate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision to make connections between theory and practice and developing professional behaviors. Students apply comprehensive understanding of children and families; developmentally appropriate, child-centered, play-orientated approaches to teaching and learning and knowledge of curriculum content areas. They design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. PREREQUISITES: ECYD1100, ECYD1210, ECYD1220, ECYD1230, and ECYD1240 Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 11/22/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD1510 — PDF	3
ECYD 2320 Children with Differing Abilities ECYD - 2320: Children with Differing Abilities Description ECYD 2320 Examines the child with differing abilities in an early childhood setting. Students will integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, provide inclusive programs for young children, apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to ADA and IDEA, differentiate between typical and exceptional development, analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders, work collaboratively with community and professional resources, utilize an individual education plan, adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences, cultivate partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 08/01/2019 Course Outline: ECYD2320 — PDF	3
ECYD 2510 Practicum II ECYD - 2510: Practicum II Description ECYD 2510 The course provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and skill in an early childhood setting. Students implement a variety of learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate for and culturally sensitive to a specific age and group of children. PREREQUISITES: ECYD1510, ECYD1325, ECYD1340, and ECYD2320. ECYD2600 must also be taken prior to or concurrently with 2510. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 11/22/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD2510 — PDF	3
ECYD 2570 Working with Diverse Families and Children ECYD - 2570: Working with Diverse Families and Children Description ECYD 2570 Examines how to work with many types of families. Investigates the importance of the family/school partnership, study methods of effectively communicating with families, and identify community organizations and networks that support families. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD2570 — PDF	3
ECYD 2600 Organizational Leadership and Management ECYD - 2600: Organizational Leadership and Management Description ECYD 2600 In this course the students will discuss the personal and professional reasons for becoming a teacher, ways to advocate in this profession and will develop a plan for continuous education and professional development. Students will be able to improve their skills in working with other by learning strategies for team building, coping with stress, and problem-solving. Students will also study professional ethics and procedures for evaluating self and staff. Opportunities for professional membership and conferences will also be provided. Prerequisites: Diploma Courses Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 12/07/2010 - 12/31/9999 Course Outline: ECYD2600 — PDF	3
Technical Elective(s)*	6
Total Core Credits:	45

General Education Courses

Course Title	Credits
ENGL 1150 Composition I ENGL - 1150: Composition I Description ENGL 1150 This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning. Meets MnTC Goal 1 - PREREQUISITES: Students having one of the recommended placement assessment scores, or a grade of ?C-? or higher in READ 150 and ENG 150 Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 08/24/2009 - 12/31/9999 MNTC Goals: 1 Course Outline: ENGL1150 — PDF	3
SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication SPEE - 1020: Interpersonal Communication Description SPEE 1020 This course is intended to increase student?s awareness of the processes, models, and theories of interpersonal communication relative to relationships that impact people?s personal and professional lives. Through self-analysis and reflection, case studies, practical application, and critical thinking, students will examine the influence of communicative behaviors on themselves, their personal relationships, groups, and society. Concepts include self-esteem, self-fulfilling prophecies, perception, ethics, emotion, conflict, cultural awareness, language, nonverbal communication, social media, and listening. Meets Goal 7. Meets MNTC Goal 1 Fall 2016 and after. Credits: 3 Effective Dates: 03/20/1999 - 12/31/9999 MNTC Goals: 1,7 Course Outline: SPEE1020 — PDF	3
General Education Elective(s)**	6
General Education Elective(s) (MnTC Goal 3 or Goal 4 )***	3
Total General Education Credits:	15

Total Program Credits:	60

* Select Technical electives from the following subject areas: ECYD .

** Select General Education electives from any MnTC goal area.

*** Select General Education electives from MnTC goal area.