CGCC is now offering a 16- credit “Child and Family Professional Development” academic certificate designed for individuals seeking employment and those currently employed in the field of early education.

“It’s our goal to partner with local early care centers and providers to create an exceptional early childhood workforce,” said CGCC Teacher Education faculty member Jennifer Peterson.  “Recognizing that high quality early care requires well-prepared specialists, CGCC began offering coursework and a variety of programs of study in Early Childhood Education.”

Through the series of five courses, students develop a portfolio/resource file, fulfill training clock hours, and apply what they are learning in an early childhood setting through an internship in order to meet a wide variety of national credentialing requirements.  

“Students may apply the 16 credits from the Child and Family Professional Development certificate to an Associate of Applied Science in Early Learning and Development offered collaboratively in a variety of formats across four Maricopa Community Colleges (CGCC, MCC, Rio Salado, and SCC),” Peterson said.  “CGCC also offers early childhood pathways that serve as a bridge to Early Childhood programs/degrees at the university.”

Pictured: Tamara Twellman (left) and Carol Churan are enrolled in the new CGCC Child and Family Professional Development certificate program.

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Coordinated by history instructor, Dr. Paul Petrequin, the trip will run from June 14 through June 24, 2012, and combines two classes, World History and Post-Colonial Latin American History. Participants must register for one or both classes. 

Petrequin says that "A Passage to Panama" will teach students about global interconnectedness, historical legacies, and cultural diversity.

“In 2009 I spent close to two weeks on a self-funded trip to Panama to decide what field trips would make most sense for history courses,” Petrequin said.  “While I knew Panama would make for great learning about modern history, I was surprised to learn that Panama City is an exciting place to learn more than history.  The city offers a wonderful opportunity to interact in a Latin American country, taste a diverse range of foods, and experience a vibrant lifestyle and culture different from what students will experience in the U.S.”

Having chosen Panama for his study abroad location because of its affordability as well as its historical significance, Petrequin said there is more to the country than its famed canal.

Pictured: CGCC history professor Dr. Paul Petrequin with Panamanian dancers in Panama, will host a study abroad to Panama in June 2012.

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