Early Childhood Education Resources

Early Childhood Education Program Resources

Explore the essential resources for PPSC's Early Childhood Education program. Here, you'll find our mission, values, and educational philosophy, along with our conceptual framework, program handbook, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you're starting your journey or seeking specific support, this page is your guide to success in early childhood education.

Mission & Vision Statements

Mission Statement: The Early Childhood Education program at PPSC's purpose is to educate and train early childhood educators, providing them with the core knowledge and standards that bridge 21^st century expectations, embrace quality measures, and exceed industry standards.

Vision Statement: Comprehensive early childhood education and training will be available to all early childhood educators.

We will accomplish this by:

Being an open enrollment community college
Participating in recruitment activities in our community
Promoting funding opportunities to make college accessible for all
Providing essential student support services
Ensuring high-quality instruction
Teaching a variety of early childhood courses
Aligning courses with Colorado’s Competencies for Early Childhood Educators & Administrators
Assessing student outcomes with NAEYC’s Professional Preparation Standards
Scheduling classes in a responsive manner
Offering certificate and degree options
Aligning transfer opportunities for students to further their education
Providing continuing education opportunities
Collaborating with our surrounding early childhood councils
Responding to the identified needs of our community constituents

For the Early Childhood Education Department, PPSC stands for:

Professionals
Prepared
Critical decision-making
Child development knowledge

FAQs

The dynamic nature of early childhood classrooms demands educators who exhibit professional attitudes and behaviors, fully aware of their influence on every child’s development through each decision they make. Intentional decision-making, grounded in sound child development knowledge and supported by reflective practice, is the hallmark of a Pikes Peak State College education. Our graduates are inspired to be lifelong learners, passionate about and committed to honoring and supporting the diverse children and families they serve. Our program is guided by three major pillars of early childhood education: foundational knowledge, professional disposition, and experiential practice.

Foundational Knowledge
Decisions involving young children are rooted in our understanding of child development and learning. Research provides evidence of best practices that guide our actions.

Professional Disposition
A teacher's attributes influence every aspect of the classroom environment, setting the tone for relationships and learning.

Experiential Practice
The connection between theory and practice is made through hands-on experiences in a classroom, guided by a mentor teacher who supports reflective learning and thoughtful self-examination.

Background Check Policy

All Early Childhood Education students at Pikes Peak State College are required to complete a national criminal background check through Castle Branch Background, as mandated by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Previous background checks for employment will not suffice.

How to Complete Your Background Check:

Use the package code PK38.
You are responsible for the $34.20 fee at the time of order.

Important Details:

Background checks are valid as long as you are continuously enrolled at PPSC, with no more than a two-semester lapse. However, the Department Chair or Dean may request additional checks at any time, and practicum sites may require their own checks.
If the background check reveals issues that prevent you from working with children, you won’t be eligible to complete courses requiring child interaction. You may appeal the findings with DHS.
If your background check limits your ability to work with children or be hired in an educational setting, the department chair will help you create an alternative education plan and career path.

Practicum experiences, sometimes called lab or field placements, give you the chance to apply your new knowledge and gain valuable hands-on experience. During these placements, you’ll follow the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Core Values as you interact with mentor teachers, children, families, administrators, program owners, college faculty, and community stakeholders.

To help you transition smoothly into your practicum experiences, we've established the following guidelines and expectations:

1) All students in PPSC's Early Childhood Education Program must follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Early Childhood Student Handbook and College Catalog at all times and locations.

Review the PPSC Student Code of Conduct

2) Students in the Early Childhood Education program are required to learn and uphold the NAEYC Code of Ethics, which forms the foundation of their professional conduct in and out of the classroom.

Review the NAEYC Code of Ethics

Other Important Considerations

In addition, ECE practicum students must maintain a clean, neat appearance and follow specific dress codes and hygiene standards set by their practicum sites (child care center, preschools, family child care, Head Start, faith-based). Please discuss dress policies with the center director or mentor teacher if you have any concerns.

ECE course and credits	Lecture Hours	Practicum Hours	Age Group of Placement
ECE 1045 1 cr lecture 2 cr practicum	15 hours	60 hours	Preschool
ECE 1125 1 cr lecture 2 cr practicum	15 hours	60 hours	Infants
ECE 2615 3 cr practicum	No Lecture	90 hours	Special Needs
ECE 2089 5 cr practicum

Instruction Types

Type of Instruction	% Transfer of Knowledge into Practice
Theory only	5%
Theory & Demonstration	10%
Theory, Demonstration, & Practice	20%
Theory, Demonstration, Practice, & Feedback	25%
Theory, Demonstration, Practice, Feedback, and Coaching Support	90%

As an individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. To the best of my ability I will:

Never harm children
Ensure that programs for young children are based on current knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education
Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children
Respect colleagues in early childhood care and education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community and society
Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct
Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families
Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others
Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional
Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

A mentor teacher plays a crucial role in the success of practicum experiences in teacher preparation programs. Once you are placed in your practicum classroom, the classroom teacher becomes a mentor, guiding and supporting you as you apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Responsibilities of a Mentor Teacher:

Hold a minimum of an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) certificate from the State of Colorado
Allow and support the practicum student in taking on increasing responsibilities, including child guidance, teaching strategies, and curriculum planning
Provide regular feedback to the practicum student and complete an evaluation using the provided PPSC form
Verify the student's completed practicum hours by signing their timesheet

Mentor teachers are vital in shaping the next generation of educators, helping you bridge the gap between theory and practice.

PPSC ECE faculty are here to support your success as a student and ensure you are prepared for your future role as an early childhood educator. Faculty help facilitate your practicum by providing feedback on your performance and effectiveness.

Here’s what you can expect:

Observation and Evaluation: Instructors typically observe and evaluate students twice during the semester, providing feedback directly to the practicum student while maintaining confidentiality
Modeling and Notes: Instructors may model effective strategies and take notes during site visits
Video Self-Evaluation: Practicum students are required to participate in video self-evaluation, guided by the instructor, to reflect on their teaching practices. Videos will be used only with explicit permission from the program director and families

Addressing Challenges:
If any barriers arise during your practicum, such as difficulties with placement roles, students or program directors should contact the ECE instructor to ensure course requirements are met.