• MDC
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• InterAmerican Campus
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• Academic Programs
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• School of Education
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• Early Childhood

Degrees and Credentials Offered

• Florida Child Care Professional Credential - 15 credits (Formerly CDA-E)
• Level I & Level II Director Credential Course - 3 credits
• Advanced Level Director Credential Course - 9 credits
• Associate in Science degree in Child Development and Education

Early Childhood Education courses focus on the preschool child, ages three to five. Each of the four Early Childhood courses requires students to complete field experience. In order to be eligible for field experience, students must be fingerprinted and pass a background clearance (http://myappt.mymdc.net).

The School of Education Pre-School Lab at North Campus is the ideal location for the completion of fieldwork. In cases of hardship, a site may be chosen from a list of approved centers that are accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Students who are employed in an Early Childhood center or who are employed in a public school Pre-K setting may use their job setting to meet the field experience requirement.

Florida Child Care Professional Credential - 15 credits (Formerly CDA-E)

Miami Dade College is approved by the State of Florida to award the Florida Child Care Professional (FCCPC) Credential which satisfies the requirements of the Florida Department of Children and Families for Early Childhood staff training.

1. Miami Dade College is approved by the State of Florida to award the Florida Child Care Professional (FCCPC) Credential which satisfies the requirements of the Florida Department of Children and Families for Early Childhood staff training.

   1. Completion of a high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
   2. If this is your first time taking credit classes at the College, you will be charged a $20 application fee.
   3. If your immediate goal is the FCCPC Credential, the section on program selection "Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Degree Program Code 27014" should be checked. The FCCPC courses are a part of the AS degree, which you may continue to pursue.

2. If this is your first time attending MDC, please go to the New Student Center for information about a required orientation:

   • North Campus
   • (305) 237-1149
   • Room 1173
   • Kendall Campus
   • (305) 237-0713
   • Room 3166
   • Wolfson Campus
   • (305) 237-3076
   • Room 3133
   • North Campus
   • (305) 237-1149
   • Room 1173
   • Homestead Campus
   • (305) 237-5046
   • Room 8233
   • InterAmerican Campus
   • (305) 237-6190
   • Room 1106
    

3. You must take the College Placement Test that will assess whether you need preparatory courses in reading, writing, or mathematics. Visit the Testing Department for more information.

4. To register for classes you will need to visit your faculty advisor in the School of Education or register on line at www.mdc.edu.

5. After registering, you will receive a class schedule that provides information about tuition payment. If your payment is not received by the date given, your registration will be canceled and you will have to begin the registration process again.

6. We have a very large Early Childhood Education program and our classes fill quickly. Register early to assure placement in your chosen class.

7. You must successfully complete the 45 hour training courses and examinations required by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Coursework

All six items below must be completed. The process for the FCCPC is as follows:

1. 45 hours: Three training certificates required by the Florida Department of Children and Families:

   • 30 Hour Child Care Training for Facility Personnel. This includes: Rules and Regulations, Health, Safety and Nutrition, Child Growth and Development, Child Abuse and Neglect and Behavioral Observation and Assessment.
   • 10 -Clock-Hour of Specialized Training.
   • 5 Hour Training Certificate in Early Literacy for Children Age Birth to Three.
   • All of these certificates require that you pass an examination.
   • For online courses visit, www.myflorida.com/childcare/training or for onsite classes please contact the School of Community Education at the campus near you to enroll in these courses - North Campus (305) 237-1019; Kendall Campus (305) 237-2161; Wolfson Campus (305) 237-3120; InterAmerican Campus (305) 237-6273; Homestead Campus (305) 237-5159.
2. Four courses in Early Childhood Education (12 credits)
   The Early Childhood courses at Miami Dade College combine classroom instruction and fieldwork experience with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate programming for young children. The four Early Childhood courses are:
   • EEC 1000 -Introduction to Early Childhood Education
   • EEC 1200 -Early Childhood Curriculum I
   • EEC 1311 -Early Childhood Curriculum II
   • EEC 2202 -Program Development in Early Childhood Education
3. EDG2943 (3 credits) is to be taken at the conclusion of these classes. An on-site observation by a qualified Early Childhood professional is conducted during this course.
4. 480 hours of documented field work in an Early Childhood setting.
5. Completion of an FCCPC Resource File.
6. Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate (effective 8/2005)

Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the FCCPC and the National (CDA) Credential?
   The FCCPC is recognized in Florida and is awarded after the student has completed all of the program requirements. The Council for Professional Recognition in Washington D.C. awards the National CDA through a process called Direct Assessment. The National CDA is recognized in 46 out of 50 states and in various countries around the world. For additional Information contact the Council for Professional Recognition, 1-800-424-4310.
2. Do I need to be working in the Early Childhood field while I take courses for the FCCPC?
   No, however, students must show documentation of 480 hours of field experience in a licensed and accredited child care setting working with children up to age five before the FCCPC can be completed.
3. Do I need the 45 Hours/Child Care Training Certificates before I can register for FCCPC courses?
   The Department of Children & Families recommends that the 45 hour training be completed before beginning the FCCPC Program. However, as long as the 45 hours are completed before taking EDG 2943, that is acceptable.
4. Can I take the EEC courses in any order?
   No. EEC 1000 is a pre-requisite for all other EEC courses. Students are not permitted to take more than two EEC courses in the same semester.
5. Will I need to purchase any textbooks?
   Yes. EEC courses require textbooks and other reading materials.
6. Is financial assistance available?
   Yes. The Florida Children’s Forum (T.E.A.C.H.) offers scholarships for eligible students who are employed in Early Childhood facilities. For an application and additional information, call 1-877- FL-TEACH or visit the organization’s web site, www.fcforum.org. Additional financial assistance is available for MDC students. For more information you can contact the financial aid office at the campus near you. Your faculty advisors have copies of the TEACH packets.
7. Does my FCCPC have to be renewed?
   Yes, it must be renewed every five years. Any Early Childhood class offered by MDC can be taken to meet renewal requirements. However, if EEC 1000, 1200, 1311 and 2202 were taken to earn the FCCPC, these classes will NOT meet the renewal requirements. Check with your Campus Early Childhood Education Faculty Advisor for additional options.

Courses Offered Toward FCCPC Renewal

The chart below contains different scenarios to help you understand your individual situation:

For additional information, please go to the State of Florida website:
www.myflorida.com/childcare/training/ for all training requirements.

The Florida Child Care and Education Administrator/ Director’s Credential

The State of Florida mandates that program directors and administrators obtain the Florida Child Care
and Education Program Administrator Credential. This credential requires a comprehensive program of educational and experiential requirements at both foundational and advanced levels.

Miami Dade College has been approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families to offer
EEC 2002 Operation of an Early Childhood Facility to meet the requirement for Level I and Level II Director Credential. This course will also meet the requirement for one of the three courses for the Advanced Level Credential. To receive the Level I and Level II Director Credential you must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Complete the required 45 hours of Department of Children and Families Child Care Training, offered as non-credit courses through the School of Community Education at each Campus or at: www.myflorida.com/childcare/training
• Complete an FCCPC, a formal educational exemption (including a waiver), or an employment history recognition exemption;
• Complete one approved course in Early Care and Education Program Administration for the Level I and II Director Credential and three approved courses for the Advanced Level Credential. (In some cases exceptions will be granted for persons with existing degrees and specified coursework**);
• Level II Director must have one year or more of on-site experience as a director in a childcare facility. The Advanced Director Credential requires two years of experience. Level I Director Credential will be granted to those who have completed all of the educational requirements, but have not completed the one or two year experiential requirement).

**The Florida Department of Children and Families is responsible for awarding this credential and any specific questions about state requirements or approved exemptions should be addressed by calling toll free at 1-866-320-9710, or check the web at www.myflorida.com/childcare/training

High School Articulation Agreement

In agreement with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students who complete the Early Childhood Secondary program consisting of 600 hours and who meet Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) competencies will be granted 9 college credits applicable toward the Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
Please note: All students must meet all MDC admission requirements as stated in the most recent College catalog.

The following course credits will be awarded:

 

Continuing Workforce Education Articulation Agreement

In agreement with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students who complete the Early hildhood Secondary program consisting of 600 hours and who meet Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) competencies will be granted 9 college credits applicable toward the Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
Please note: All students must meet all MDC admission requirements as stated in the most recent College catalog.

The following course credits will be awarded:

 

Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Early Childhood Education

The School of Education Child Development and Education program leads to an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Early Childhood Education after the successful completion of sixty-three (63) academic credits. The Degree is designed to provide students with training for employment opportunities in the field of Early Childhood Education, including working with young children in Pre-Kindergarten programs, preschool programs, child care centers, Head Start programs, family child care homes, and public or private elementary schools. The courses combine classroom instruction and field work that emphasizes the development of appropriate programming for young children.

The AS degree in Child Development Education program includes the following:

• 12 credits in Early Childhood Education
  • EEC 1000 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • EEC 1200 - Early Childhood Curriculum I
  • EEC 1311 - Early Childhood Curriculum II
  • EEC 2202 - Program Development in Early Childhood Education
  • 36 credits in general education requirements
  • 9 credits of Education courses (EDF1005, EDG2701, and EME2040)
  • 6 credits in approved Education electives

  Specific degree requirements are listed on the Early Childhood Education advisement sheet:
  http://www.mdc.edu/iac/AcademicPrograms/education/education_as_prog.asp