About

The purpose of the CCRI Department of Human Services is to teach students to function as competent, ethical Human Services practitioners and educators prepared to fill a variety of entry level positions in a diverse society, well equipped to pursue a Baccalaureate degree in their chosen profession. Each concentration is designed to facilitate professional development and job market preparation balanced with courses that reflect the more traditional requirements for a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Students gain an understanding of the biopsychosocial nature of human behavior and are given both the theoretical and practical bases for careers in becoming community and educational activists in providing support for people in need. A human ecology model assists students in coming to an understanding of diversity, systems interdependence, and developmentally appropriate and need-specific planning for children, adults, families and communities across cultures.

Featured Programs

RI Early Childhood Education & Training Program (RIECETP)

RIECETP 12 Credit Program and CDA Informational Flyer

If you are an Early Childhood Educator working with children ages birth through 5 in a DCYF licensed center or family childcare setting, you may qualify to receive 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education for free with use of textbooks. Applications for the Fall 2022 Cohort are available.

Learn more about the RIECETP 12 College Credit Program

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally recognized early childhood credential designed to assess early childhood educator’s knowledge, skills and abilities using multiple sources of evidence such as an exam, observation and professional portfolio. The purpose of this credential is to ensure that early childhood educators are providing high quality care and meeting the developmental, emotional and educational needs of children.

Learn more about the RIECETP CDA Training

The Early Childhood and Child Development (CHLD) A.A. Degree has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Early Childhood and Child Development A.A. program at the Community College of Rhode Island is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from July 2015 through July 2022.

In the words of NAEYC, “The CCRI program substantially meets expectations regarding alignment…the program enjoys a reputation of excellence throughout the state of Rhode Island. Students benefit from high levels of quality in teaching, advising, and support. Students also benefit from a strong, committed faculty who invest time in professional development, reflection, and program development and from administration who supports faculty in the development and implementation of program outcomes. The NAEYC Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation commends the program for its many strengths related to the Accreditation Criteria revealed through this accreditation process beyond the areas noted.”

Announcements

Please note individuals interested in the Driver and Traffic Safety Education course (HMNS-2290) should contact Monica Russell in the Center for Workforce and Community Education Department by calling 401-825-1043. Students should leave their name and contact information. As soon as there is enough interest the course will be scheduled.

Please note we are no longer offering Activity Professional Courses. For information on obtaining certification please visit the website for (NCCAP) National Certification Council for Activities Professionals www.nccap.org