The Early Childhood Exceptionalities technical certificate of credit program is a sequence of three courses designed to prepare students to work with children with special needs. The program emphasizes an inclusive classroom including strategies and activities for exceptional children (both low and high achieving students). Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and primary schools.
Students are accepted into the Early Childhood Exceptionalities certificate program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 2 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 9 semester credit hours.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Early Childhood Exceptionalities certificate program must be fond of children, dependable, reliable, flexible, patient, positive.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Early Childhood Exceptionalities certificate program are prepared for employment as child care providers of children with special needs, in school systems in a special needs classroom, for families with special needs children, and with children and adults that may be severely or profoundly disabled. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $1,562.00
Books & Supplies: $630.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
HOPE Career Grant: The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them. To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the approved programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:
- 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
- 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
- 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
- Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award
Admission Requirements
OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums:
- COMPASS/ASSET,
- SAT,
- ACT,
- PSAT,
- PACT,
- Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion,
- HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher, or High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.
The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
Curriculum
Occupational Courses
| ECCE 2201 | Exceptionalities | 3 | 45 |
| ECCE 2360 | Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Children | 3 | 45 |
| ECCE 2362 | Exploring Your role in the Exceptional Environment | 3 | 75 |
Program Pathway
Year 1
Semester 1
| ECCE 2201 | Exceptionalities | 3 | 45 |
| ECCE 2360 | Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Children | 3 | 45 |
| ECCE 2362 | Exploring Your role in the Exceptional Environment | 3 | 75 |