These program options prepare students for employment in a variety of early care and education settings. Courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teachers and teachers in licensed childcare and preschool settings, before/after-school programs, as a family childcare program provider as well as paraprofessional/aides/assistant teacher requirements in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) in school districts. Students learn about child growth and development, positive child guidance, working with diverse families and professionals, nutrition, health and safety, cultural sensitivity and anti-bias education practices, and strategies for developing curriculum that promotes learning in young children with differing needs. All ECD program options require the successful completion of a Minnesota Criminal Background Study.