Explore the foundations of out-of-school time programs, and the philosophy and goals of high-quality programs for school age children in group settings with Child Care Education.
The courses in this credential will help you examine and identify the rules and regulations governing group care for school-age children, and the responsibilities for you as the educator.
You will focus on the skills and strategies that afterschool and youth development practitioners need to select and plan developmentally appropriate activities for experiential learning. You will also learn to facilitate the development of caring and trusting relationships with adults and peers.
To earn your Afterschool and Youth Development Credential, you will need to complete the following three-credit courses:
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This first course provides an overview of the knowledge and skills individuals need to care for school-age children between the ages of five and twelve in a group setting. It will provide a foundation for the importance of out-of-school-time programs and explore the philosophy and goals for high quality programs. The course is based on an understanding of the principles of child growth and development. It provides an overview of the rules and regulations governing group care for school-age children and the responsibilities of the providers. Lastly, it will provide a foundation for the basic core knowledge and competencies as laid out by the National Afterschool Association. (This course also fulfills the 40 hour Introduction to the School-Age Care Profession Course).
ECED 3100 | 3 undergrad credits/45 contact hours
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This course explores the dynamics of working with children and youth ages 5 to 12 in groups and group settings. Examination of program and group relationship factors that support or inhibit positive adult-to-youth and peer-to-peer relationships. Students develop knowledge and skills for designing program spaces, using multiple grouping formats in programs, facilitating group activities, fostering youth social skills and peer relationships, using positive guidance techniques, and leadership techniques promoting youth choice and active participation.
ECED 3120 | 3 undergrad credits/45 contact hours
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This course focuses on the learning environment and curricular models within an informal learning environment. It will explore the role and methods for informal observation and recording as it is used in identifying the needs and interests of the children. It will explore lesson planning that is intentional, scaffolds learning and addresses core standards.
ECED 3140 | 3 undergrad credits/45 contact hours
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This course combines the material from the first three courses and identifies how to integrate the best practices of expanded, informal learning into the daily afterschool program operations. Learn the foundations of risk management, regulations, developing family and community partners, financial management, health, safety, wellness, and professionalism in practice.
ECED 4100 | 3 undergrad credits/45 contact hours
Register
See the below options for what fits your status best:
New or inactive students: If you are taking classes with our program for the first time, or are returning to the program after one year or more has passed since you completed your last course, apply to UW-Platteville as a special non-degree student.
Active students: To register for one of the above courses please log in to PASS, select your semester/term, select the subject “Early Childhood Education” (ECED), and select your course. For more detailed instructions, see steps 4 and 5.
After you are admitted as a special student, you will be able to register for your courses each semester. Please check the academic calendar to keep informed of important deadlines.
Textbooks
You can review your textbooks and:
- Buy them online
- Buy them from a bookstore
- Check them out from your local library
- Check them out from the Wisconsin Child Care Information Center
Do you have questions? Are you ready to enroll?
Please reach out by email at eced@uwplatt.edu or call us at 608.342.1315.
