Mission & Conceptual Framework

The JCC Early Childhood Education program prepares students for careers in Early Care and Education fields or future study at a four-year college/university. We celebrate the challenges and opportunities of serving both potential (pre-service) professionals and early educators with many years of experience working in the field. Obtaining knowledge and skills through learned theory, observation and practical application, the program prepares individuals to work with young children in diverse learning environments. The program values reciprocal relationships with community stakeholders to best serve student and community needs.

Program coursework includes typical and atypical child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs; care and guidance; curriculum, observation, assessment and communication skills with children, families and the community. Students learn to foster cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of all children.

Our ultimate goal is to help our students become intentional and reflective practitioners that work collaboratively to appropriately support the children and their families.

Conceptual Framework

Central Themes/Values that Represent Who We Are As a Program and Why We Do What We Do

• Linking research and theory to practice through the process of coursework, observation and practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified mentors and faculty instructors. (Representation: Linked parts of the star)
• Exposing students to and helping students combine: best practice, local, state and national standards and initiatives, state rules and regulations, and the realities of most ECE programs for young children, by staying closely connected to community stakeholders and national efforts.
  (Representation: Star- NC Star Rated License)
• Developmental approach to teaching and learning that recognizes skills and abilities of students and celebrates diversity, equity and personal and professional experiences.
  (Representation: Different colors of the star)
• Creating reflective, collaborative and intentional professionals that are sensitive to the needs of families and all young children with varying needs, cultures, and communities.
  (Representation: Child-like finger paintings/fingerprints of the star)
• Providing an AAS program that focuses on the national standards for what professionals in the field should know and be able to do (the NAEYC Standards and Key elements)
  (Representation: 7 sides of the star=7 NAEYC professional preparation standards/Program standards/outcomes)