C E R T I F I C A T E P R O G R A M S I N H U M A N S E R V I C E S O F F E R E D B Y

C O L U M B U S S T A T E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

Early Childhood Aide Certificate & COMPETE

Program

~---------------------0------------------------------------What is the ECA program about?

• 3 semester (Summer, Autumn and Spring) certificate program offered at Columbus State for adults of any age that have a developmental, intellectual or learning disability.

• The program is for individuals with a developmental, intellectual or learning disability that want to work with young children.

~---------------------0------------------------------------Who qualifies for the program?

• Individuals that: • Have a Developmental, Learning or Intellectual disability • Have a high school diploma or GED • Have an interest in developing skills to work with young

children • Have the ability to “look” outside of themselves • Be willing to commit to going to school for one year. • Have the ability to engage appropriately in

classroom/internship setting • Are able to meet Ohio’s background check requirements

to work with children • Are able to acquire a physician’s verification of physical

fitness

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Will they take classes at Columbus State?

• YES ! This is a college based program. Classes are taught at Columbus State. Classes will be adapted to meet the learning styles and needs of students. Classes are for credit and counted on college transcripts.

~---------------------0------------------------------------What kind of classes do students take?

• 2 classes during the summer. • Service Delivery and Ethics

• This course prepares students for their practicum experience by reviewing clinical expectations, supervision, professionalism and ethics. Practicum sites are toured and discussed.

• Recognition of Child Abuse, Communicable Diseases and First Aid • Students will learn how to recognize signs of child abuse/ self

harm and how to report according to Ohio laws. Learn about Communicable Diseases and how they are transferred and prevented.

~---------------------0------------------------------------What about the other 2 semesters?

• Autumn Semester • Early Childhood Guidance and Curriculum • Language and Literacy • Early Childhood Practicum & Seminar I

• Spring Semester • Social Emotional Development and Curriculum • Media Resources • Early Childhood Practicum & Seminar II

~---------------------0------------------------------------Schedule

• Students are at Columbus State’s downtown campus 1-2 days per week.

• Students are at their practicum 2-3 days per week (14 hours per week). • Students can be from Franklin and surrounding counties.

Attempt is made to secure practicum sites close to the individual’s home / within home county.

~---------------------0------------------------------------What is the COMPETE program about?

• Students with an intellectual disability (having an IQlower than 70), may qualify for Columbus State’sCOMPETE program. The COMPETE program allowsthe student to partake in the ECA classes butprovides additional supporting, non-credit bearingclasses encompassing student life, self-determination and career readiness. Students regularly meet with program advisor to determineand track academic goals, explore campus life andparticipate in a personal data research project. Students accepted into the ECA program can take advantage of these additional services.

~---------------------0------------------------------------What is a practicum?

• In the Autumn and Spring semester students complete a practicum at a localChildcare Center. Students spend 14 hours a week, under the guidance andsupervision of a mentor teacher, at their practicum learning and practicing skills that will help them become an Early Childhood Aide.

• Students typically complete their practicum’s at 2 different Early Childhoodsettings over the 2 semesters.

• A Teaching Assistant is also available to provide supports throughout thesemester,1-3 hours per week. • Please note- CSCC staff and faculty do not provide full-time, one on one,

supervision on campus or at practicums.

• A faculty observer from Columbus State will visit and observe the student at theirpracticum 3-4 times per semester to check on the student’s progress towardstheir goals

• Practicum sites may include Head Start programs, Easter Seals, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and other local childcare centers.

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Transportation is the student’s responsibility

• Some students have providers or parents that provide their transportation, some students drive, some take the City Bus, some walk.

• County Boards and OOD have also assisted.

~---------------------0------------------------------------Does this program cost Money?

• Yes.. The courses and practicums are Columbus State classes. Students take 4-7 credit hours per semester.

• Total program cost is approximately $2700-$4000. • COMPETE program fees will be determined • Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid

and scholarships.

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Can students be involved in other ways at Columbus State?

• Absolutely -Students can take additional classes – former students have taken CPR, resistance training, yoga, developmental writing and reading.

• Students can work out in the fitness center and join free fitness classes.

• Students may join campus clubs/organizations. • Students can attend Columbus State athletic

games.

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If someone completes the program and gets a job….

• It may be full-time or part-time. • Wages will be decided by the employer.

~---------------------0------------------------------------How Do Students Apply?

• Schedule an interview with Mandy Mernedakis (614-287-5098). Interviews can be scheduled from September -March

• Complete online application for CSCC at cscc.edu • Take placement test (reading and writing required only) • Complete the Early Childhood Assistant application

packet • Request letters of recommendation from 3 professionals • Submit completed application and most recent IEP and

ETR to Mandy Mernedakis

~---------------------0------------------------------------Are students automatically accepted into the

program?

• No… up to 12 students will be selected to participate in the program.

• Applications are received under rolling admission

~---------------------0------------------------------------For more information:

• Please contact Jackie Teny-Miller Mandy Mernedakis

614-287-2544 OR 614-287-5098 jteny@cscc.edu mmernedakis@cscc.edu