Early Childhood Education FAQS

Are you looking for. . . 

  • A career with an excellent job outlook
  • A career that you can build on for the future
  • A career that impacts the lives of children

Listed below are frequently asked questions about the Early Childhood Education program at OCC.

WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM TAKING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) CLASSES?

This program is ideal for individuals who would like to work with young children and families. Commonly held positions include: Child Care Center Director, Child Care Center teacher and aide, Head Start teacher and aide, Home Child Care provider, Early Childhood Education Non-Profit agency staff, Community Program staff, Teacher Para-professional, Preschool teacher and aide, Child Care Resource and Referral agency staff. 

Additionally, some courses may transfer into related bachelor degree programs such as Elementary Education with ZS endorsement, Child Development, and Social Sciences.

Note: This program does not lead to Michigan teacher certification.

WHEN CAN I START THE ECE PROGRAM?

ECE students can start the program at the beginning of any semester (Fall, Winter, Summer).

WHERE CAN ECE COURSES BE COMPLETED?

Many ECE courses are offered online. Courses are also offered at the Highland Lakes Campus, with some classes on Saturdays at the Southfield campus. 

SHOULD I TAKE MORE THAN ONE CLASS AT A TIME?

Yes, yes, yes! It is recommended that students take at least two classes per semester in order to complete the program in a timely fashion. 

HOW CAN I OBTAIN A CDA (Child Development Associate)?

While OCC does not issue the CDA credential, the ECE program can provide the required training. ECE 1454 is designed to assist students new to the CDA process who may need more support. It is not a required course for the ECE program. The CDA Preparation course is linked to our four certificate programs. The CDA credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. Students entering the ECE.AAS program with a valid CDA credential, may receive credit for ECE 2806. 

WHICH CLASS MEETS DIRECTOR OF CHILD CARE CENTER LICENSING REQUIREMENTS?

*ECE 2415 meets the State of Michigan Child Care Center Licensing Rule: R 400.5103 Program director qualifications; responsibilities. 4. A program director shall have at least 2 semester hours in child care administration from an accredited college or university or a minimum of 3.0 CEUs in child care administration.

The Early Childhood Education Administrator (ECE.ADM.CA) certificate of achievement is designed for individuals who desire to earn credits specifically centered on directing an early childhood education program. This certificate meets State of Michigan Child Care Licensing required training for ECE Directors who have a degree in an outside field.

*In addition to this class, please see all State of Michigan Child Care Center Licensing requirements for Directors.

WHICH CLASS MEETS THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LEAD INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER IN A CHILD CARE CENTER?

*ECE 1500 meets the State of Michigan Child Care Center Licensing Rule for Infant- Toddler Lead Teacher: R 400.5103a. Lead caregiver qualifications; responsibilities. (6) A lead caregiver for infants and toddlers shall have 3 semester hours in infant/toddler development and care practices from an accredited college or university or 4.5 CEUs in infant/toddler development and care practices. 

The Early Childhood Education Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher (ECE.ITT.CA) certificate of achievement is designed for individuals who desire to earn credits specifically centered on leading an Infant and Toddler classroom. This certificate meets the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing required infant and toddler training for a Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher.

*In addition to this class, please see all State of Michigan Child Care Center Licensing requirements for Infant-Toddler Lead Teachers.

ECE 1525 meets state requirements for School-age Lead Teachers.

WHERE DO I COMPLETE FIELDWORK HOURS AND INTERNSHIP HOURS?

All fieldwork hours and internships are completed in sites assigned by the college.

ECE 1414 and 1500 have required fieldwork hours. ECE 1414 will require hours in an assigned facility in a single classroom servicing children 2.5 years to 5 years of age (minimum 22.5 hrs); ECE 1500 will require hours in a single classroom servicing children 2.5 years and younger (minimum 22.5 hours). Two and half hours are credited for prep time. 

ECE 2407 is a 135 hour internship. The hours must be completed in an assigned child care facility. These hours are under the supervision of an experienced and formally educated cooperating teacher. These hours cannot be completed through employment.

No credit for prior experience hours will be given in any classes - hours must be completed during the term.

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY FOR ECE STUDENTS?

Yes, along with OCC scholarships and financial aid, TEACH offers scholarships specifically for ECE students. For more information, visit the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship program. 

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Tiffany Wright Ofeimu, Program Coordinator and full-time professor of the ECE program.