Early Childhood Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Our College must ensure that students and children are not placed in jeopardy during their learning experiences. Students enrolled in any Certificate or degree programs must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses of ever-changing circumstances and the ability to respond quickly and appropriately when events require. Furthermore, students are expected to have the maturity to accept direction and guidance, and exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality and sensitive interpersonal relationships with teachers, fellow students, children, and their families. Students are strongly recommended to meet with their academic advisor before enrolling in the program.

Health Considerations
Students considering careers in early childhood education should explore the health requirements set forth by the State of New Hampshire licensing bureau and be prepared to submit a Child Care Health Form before beginning practicum. Prospective students with special needs requiring accommodations that may affect their practicum placement or employment options are advised to discuss specific career objectives with the program coordinator during the admissions process.

Character Expectations
Ensuring the health and safety of young children is a priority for our program. Applicants seeking positions in programs serving young children will be required to have a criminal background check done by the State of New Hampshire in order to be compliant with the child care licensing rules. Applicants who are unsure of their status in this area should discuss the matter with the program coordinator, as it may impact their ability to participate in practicum and determine employability in the early childhood field.

Technical Standards
Technical Standards have been established to provide insight to students as to the skills and abilities required to function successfully in the ECE program and eventually the profession. Applicants who do not feel they can successfully meet these should contact the ECE program coordinator before applying to the program. All students desiring to complete practicum courses are required to submit the Health Form provided by the New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Licensing Rules. The health form must indicate the student is mentally and physically fit to work with young children.

Students enrolling in the early childhood education program must have sufficient strength, stamina, and motor coordination to perform the following:

• Stand for sustained periods of time, walking, running, bending, sitting on the floor and on child-size furniture to meet the child's needs and accomplish tasks.
• Frequent lifting, moving and transferring children, especially infants and toddlers.
• Sufficient visual and hearing acuity to ensure a safe environment and the ability to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Sufficient verbal ability to express and exchange information and ideas as well as to interpret important instructions to children, coworkers and parents.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.

Early Childhood Education Transfer Credit Policy: In addition to NHCTC Stratham & Portsmouth transfer credit policies, transfer of courses in early childhood education more than 10 years old will be evaluated by the program coordinator on an individual basis.