Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Topics include:  program philosophy, discipline, health policies, budgets, job descriptions, staffing plans, menu cycles, enrollment
packets, staff development plans, parent involvement/education plans, community resource files.  This is an ECE elective course.

Grading policy will be distributed with the course handout during
first week of class.  Students grades will be based on their
performance on: 
     1.   active participation in class activities
     2.   evidence of completion of assigned reading
     3.   in class projects and assignments
     4.   development of individual plans for topics covered in
          addendum
     5.   final project
REQUIRED STUDENT COMPETENCIES:
Instructional Goal: 
Develop an understanding of different types of early childhood
programs and determine an appropriate program for a specific
geographical area. Objectives:
1.1  Define the following types of programs:  family child care,
     center-based care, part day programs, full day programs,
     school age child care, parent education programs, respite
     care programs.
1.2  Discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and special
     considerations for each of the above programs.
1.3  Demonstrate a needs assessment process.
1.4  Describe the philosophy and goals of your program.
1.5  Describe the role of the advisory board and its members.
Instructional Goal:
Understand the licensing and accreditation processes.
Objectives:
2.1  Define the agencies involved in the licensing and
     accreditation processes
2.2  Describe how to apply for licensing.
2.3  Demonstrate familiarity with the rules and regulations
     governing early childhood programs.
2.4  Demonstrate familiarity with the accreditation process
     through the National Association of Early Childhood
     Programs.
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in management of the facility.
Objectives:
3.1  Discuss the elements of an appropriate physical environment.
3.2  Demonstrate an understanding of management of health issues
     in group care.
3.3  Demonstrate an understanding of center, classroom, and
     outdoor safety.
3.4  Demonstrate the ability to choose, evaluate, and maintain
     age-appropriate equipment and supplies.
3.5  Identify storage needs and discuss options for storage of
     equipment and supplies.
    
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in financial management.
Objectives:
4.1  Develop a realistic 1 year budget.
4.2  Outline policies for fees, payments, financial aid.
4.3  Analyze start up costs.
4.4  Identify insurance needs and costs.
4.5  Identify applicable taxes and payment requirements.
4.6  Identify fund raising options.
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in food service management.
Objectives:
5.1  Demonstrate skill in menu planning.
5.2  Demonstrate skill in food purchasing on a budget.
5.3  Demonstrate knowledge of safe food storage, preparation,    
     and service.    
5.4  Obtain an Oregon Food Handler's Card.
5.5  Describe the USDA Child Care Food Program as it relates to
     group child care.
5.6  Develop a resource file of developmentally appropriate food
     preparation experiences for children.
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in personnel management.
Objectives:
6.1  List resources for obtaining qualified staff
6.2  Develop an orientation plan and packet
6.3  Demonstrate understanding of teacher growth and development
6.4  Formulate a 1 year staff development plan
6.5  Develop an outline of center policy on benefits, vacation,
     leave, etc.
6.6  Develop a plan for staff evaluation
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in managing the children's program.
Objectives:
7.1  Demonstrate ability to plan developmentally appropriate
     curriculum
7.2  Discuss positive guidance and general classroom management
     skills.
7.3  Develop a discipline policy.
7.4  Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of
     observation in planning and implementing the total program.
Instructional Goal:
Gain knowledge in parent involvement/education.
Objectives:          
8.1  Discuss the importance of parent involvement in early
     childhood programs.
8.2  List ways of involving parents in the early childhood
     program.
8.3  Discuss ways of determining needs and desires of parents for
     parent education programs.
8.4  Develop a 1 year plan for parent and family
     education/support/fellowship.
         

This course utilizes a lecture/discussion format and will include assigned reading, audiovisual presentations, and guest speakers as
available and group projects.  Students will be required to complete individual and group projects.

Grading policy will be distributed with the course handout during
first week of class.  Students grades will be based on their
performance on: 
     1.   active participation in class activities
     2.   evidence of completion of assigned reading
     3.   inclass projects and assignments
     4.   development of individual plans for topics covered in
          addendum
     5.   final project