EDUCATION | HUMAN SERVICES | SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
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Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree
The Associate in Arts transfer degree equals the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. By earning your A.A. degree at PBSC, you are guaranteed admission to one of Florida's public universities to complete your bachelor’s degree. You also may transfer to certain private institutions or PBSC bachelor's programs. Our A.A. degree advising track will help guide you in selecting general education and elective courses that fit your desired upper-division major and the requirements of your chosen transfer school. Always work with your PBSC academic advisor in making your final choices.
View the 15 to Finish course sequence map for each track below:
A.A. Degree - Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Tracks
Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Certificates & Degrees
At PBSC, you can choose from many career pathways. Each certificate and degree is a stepping-stone, either to the job market or to the next level in your education.
Degrees:
- AS: Associate in Science degrees prepare you for skilled employment or transfer to PBSC’s bachelor's programs and possibly other institutions.
- BS: Bachelor of Science degrees give associate degree graduates the option to earn a career-focused bachelor’s degree.
Certificates:
- CCC: College Credit Certificates give you marketable skills as well as college credits that can transfer to an associate degree.
- CCP: Career Certificate Programs prepare you for high-skill, high-demand jobs.
Human Services
Overview
With family, health and substance abuse crises impacting all 50 states, there’s never been a greater demand for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in human services.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services is open to graduates of PBSC’s Human Services A.S. degree (all concentration areas) and A.A. degree tracks, as well as those with an associate degree (or a minimum of 60 college credits) from a regionally accredited institution that is equivalent to the satisfactory completion of a PBSC A.S. or A.A. degree.
Human Services - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Building on the foundation of the A.S. or A.A. degree, the B.S. degree in Human Services opens doors to career opportunities and higher salaries, as well as professional certifications and graduate school in such fields as social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other human services disciplines.
The B.S. degree develops your expertise in the assessment, support and treatment of various populations, including persons with disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders, as well as children, families, veterans and the elderly. The program prepares you for supervisory and leadership roles in social service settings, such as hospitals, treatment centers, private and public agencies, and school aftercare programs, each with a variety of rewarding positions: social services manager, substance abuse counselor, case manager, youth programs administrator and many more.
While students take most of their classes online, the program features in-person sessions to practice clinical skills.
Overview
The need for trained addiction professionals has never been greater. Both the Associate in Science degree and College Credit Certificate meet the content-specific training requirement for Florida state addiction professional certification.
Human Services: Addiction Studies Concentration - Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Human Services – Addiction Studies A.S. degree prepares students with no prior background, as well as provides supplemental training for people currently or previously in the field. Courses examine professional roles and functions along with the interventions and treatments used to help people overcome addictions. Students also complete fieldwork experiences in agencies or organizations of their choice, under the supervision of qualified professionals. Graduates may pursue further education or immediate employment in treatment and rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other facilities, working in diverse capacities, including as an addiction specialist, social/human services practitioner, chemical dependency practitioner, and behavioral health technician.
This A.S. degree transfers seamlessly into PBSC’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree. In addition, courses from this program may transfer to other colleges and universities which allow students to transfer into a four-year program.
Human Services: Addiction Studies - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
The Addiction Studies College Credit Certificate delivers the core content of the Human Services – Addiction Studies A.S. degree and is ideal for those who already have a degree, need new career skills to advance, or want a faster route to employment. The certificate enables practitioners in the field to fulfill the training requirement needed to obtain the addiction certification provided by the Florida Certification Board.
Credits from this CCC program transfer into Palm Beach State’s A.S. degree in Human Services, Addiction Studies concentration.
Overview
Wherever there are people in need, you’ll find human services professionals. The General concentration offers the broadest perspective of the human services field and equips you for many career and education paths.
Human Services: General Concentration - Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Human Services – General A.S. degree features a balanced curriculum focused on developing critical skills in counseling, interviewing, and group dynamics and explores the methods of working with various populations – from children to seniors. Students also complete fieldwork experiences in agencies or organizations of their choice, under the supervision of qualified professionals. In addition to further education, program graduates may pursue an entry-level position as a human services specialist, outreach worker, case coordinator or behavior modification specialist in a wide range of areas, including family services, child/adolescent services, elder care, drug and alcohol abuse, and supporting individuals with social, economic, mental or emotional challenges.
This A.S. degree transfers seamlessly into PBSC’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree. In addition, courses from this program may transfer to other colleges and universities which allow students to transfer into a four-year program. For example, Florida Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Social Work program will accept Palm Beach State’s Human Services program credits.
Human Services - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
The Human Services College Credit Certificate delivers the core content of the Human Services – General A.S. degree and is ideal for those who already have a degree, need new career skills to advance, or want a faster route to employment.
Credits from this CCC program transfer into Palm Beach State’s A.S. degree in Human Services, General concentration.
Overview
Youth development professionals work with children and adolescents in a variety of settings outside the traditional classroom. PBSC’s Human Services – Youth Development Associate in Science degree and College Credit Certificate prepare students to make a difference in young people’s lives.
Human Services: Youth Development Concentration - Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Human Services – Youth Development A.S. degree builds skills in group facilitation and behavior management as you gain experience in designing and implementing developmentally appropriate programs. All students complete fieldwork experiences in agencies or organizations of their choice, under the supervision of qualified professionals. Graduates may continue their education or start careers as youth program assistants, family support workers, group facilitators or related positions in community-based environments, such as afterschool and recreation programs, youth counseling organizations, child, family and social service agencies, residential care centers, group homes and other youth work settings.
This A.S. degree transfers seamlessly into PBSC’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree. In addition, courses from this program may transfer to other colleges and universities which allow students to transfer into a four-year program.
Human Services: Youth Development - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
The Youth Development College Credit Certificate delivers the core content of the Human Services – Youth Development A.S. degree and is ideal for those who already have a degree, need new career skills to advance, or want a faster route to employment.
Credits from this CCC program transfer into Palm Beach State’s A.S. degree in Human Services, Youth Development concentration.
Post Baccalaureate: Teacher Education and K-12 Programs
Designed for professionals with non-education bachelor's degrees to help them transition into teaching careers. Once the program is completed, students will be eligible to begin teaching in Florida. FTCE workshops, Professional development, and recertification courses are available.
Overview
Florida needs more great teachers!
Current and future K-12 educators turn to Palm Beach State College for training approved by the Florida Department of Education. An Excellent program that’s easy on your schedule and budget.
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) consists of seven fully online courses and one field/practicum experience course. The required courses provide the student with a baseline of knowledge in educational theory, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and instructional technology. Depending on the student's course load, the program can be completed in one year.
Contact Information:
Phone: 561-868-3823 | Email: teachereducation@palmbeachstate.edu
Steps To Apply
Applicants meeting the entrance requirements will apply to the program and have an entrance interview with the program director. Registration for EPI classes is available only after applicants are accepted into the Educator Preparation Institute.
- Before you complete the EPI application, apply to Palm Beach State College. (Your Program Objective Code is F225.)
- Complete the EPI supplemental application and follow the instructions. Apply Now
- Applicants will need to provide official transcripts from all previous institutions during the admission process. For more details, view the Transcript Request page.
- Review the Academic Calendar for exact start dates.
Professional Development courses are open to all teachers or future teachers wishing to continue their education or to obtain additional credentials to support them.
FTCE Review Courses (General Knowledge Test, Professional Ed. Test)
Palm Beach State College's Educator Preparation Institute has review courses to help you prepare and successfully pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. The objective of these courses is to review the competencies for each exam, as well as give you valuable tools to help you study.
Additional Resources: The following video series from Pearson Education Inc. provides a general overview of test preparation and test-taking strategies. It is
designed to help you prepare for your FTCE/FELE test by describing how to use the
study resources provided on this website.
Note: Associate of Arts degree seeking students majoring in Education may be required to
have passing scores on the General Knowledge Test (GKT) in order to transfer to a
Florida university.
Clinical Educator Training (CET)
The Clinical Educator Training at Palm Beach State College is based on the state model and meets the requirements set forth by the state of Florida. The content includes the four essential skills of Clinical Educators. This course is required for all school district instructional personnel who wish to host, instruct, and supervise student teachers during their field experience, practicum, and/or internship. Experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Clinical Educators are invited to register.
Search Course ID: EDO0087
Renewal of Professional Teaching Certificate
Palm Beach State College offers courses that may count toward the renewal of the Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. For more information on renewing your Professional Educator Certification and a list of appropriate categories of courses that may be acceptable for renewal, visit the Florida Department of Education.
Students are advised to seek out School District of Palm Beach County or FLDOE course approval prior to enrollment.
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Search for availability of classes in Workday | Search Classes
Step 2: Complete and submit a Palm Beach State College application as a non-degree-seeking student. In the enrollment intention section of the application, choose the following as your enrollment intention:
I intend on taking college credit courses as a non-degree-seeking student. This option is for students who wish to take credit courses for job improvement or teacher recertification. (Program Objective: 3407).
Step 3: Once your application has been processed, you can log on to Workday and use your student ID and password to register for classes.
Step 3a: Some courses may have pre-requisites and may require you to submit your official high school transcript and/or ALL higher education transcripts to Palm Beach State College Registrar’s Office. Official transcripts must be sent by each institution in sealed envelopes or sent electronically by the institution.
Step 4: Once you have registered for classes, pay close attention to the payment due date.
Failure to pay tuition by your designated due date will result in automatic cancellation
of enrollment by the Registrar's Office.
Step 5: Request Official Transcripts. At the end of the semester, you may request official transcripts to be sent to you, the school district, or the FLDOE.
Tuition Waiver
Current classroom teachers for the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) are entitled to a tuition waiver for special education, math, and/or science courses.
Introduction to Special Education (EEX2010) is an eligible course for tuition waiver.
1. If you are eligible for tuition waiver based on your employment status, fill out a Tuition Waiver Form, including the course ID, reference number, and agency authorization (school principal or HR department for the SDPBC). You MUST be a current student of Palm Beach State College with a student ID.
2. Once you have the form completed you can submit this form for approval to the College registrar’s office one business day prior to the last day of the add/drop registration period.
Please keep in mind that approval for tuition waiver is contingent on there still being at least one seat available in the course one day prior to the last day of the add/drop registration period.
Tuition waiver form MUST be approved by the College Registrar’s office in order for fees to be waived.
For more information on the tuition waiver process, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Early Child Care And Afterschool Programs
Level 1: Entry Level Child Care Training
Overview
This CCP program fulfills the child care training required by the Florida Department of Children and Families for child care providers working in a licensed child care facility. Child care providers serving children birth to 5 years old must complete:
- Part I: Rules and Regulations-Center Based
- Part II: Introduction to Child Care Worker Certification
- Part III: (Option I) 5-Hour Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices and 5-Hour Student Specialty or (Option II) 10-Hour Special Needs Appropriate Practices. The 5-Hour Emergent Literacy is also required.
Apply For A Scholarship
- Early Childhood Education Scholarship Participation Agreement
- Acuerdo de participación en la beca de educación infantil
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Overview
The Child Care providers serving children in their home, must complete a two-part course. Part I focuses on Rules and Regulations governing licensed Family child care homes and Part II covers Introduction to Child Care Worker Certification. Part I and Part II require that the participant pass a competency exam with a score of 70% or higher given by Department of Children and Families.
Apply For A Scholarship
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Overview
Afterschool providers serving school age children 5 years and up through grade 5 must complete: Part I: School Age Child Care Certification and Part II: Foundations of Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Principles.
School Age Professional Certification - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The student who has earned a Department of Education SAPC Certificate from Palm Beach State can receive college credits toward an Associate in Science degree (A.S.) in Human Services with a concentration in Youth Development. The articulation will be processed upon request once students have completed 15 college credits toward the A.S. degree.
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Level 2: Early Childhood & Afterschool Certificate Programs
Overview
Caring for Children Birth to Three Years Old
Students who successfully complete the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) - Infant/Toddler Track, Caring for Children Birth to Three Years Old program and work with children birth to three years old in a licensed child care facility will be awarded a staff credential issued by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
This program also prepares students for the National CDA Credential.
This program is divided into three modules covering the eight content areas for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) in which a student must demonstrate competence.
Caring for Children-Birth to 3 Years - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
A student completing this program may find employment opportunities as an early childhood provider, practitioner, lead or assistant teacher, curriculum specialist, director and program administrator in the early childhood field.
Students who earn a this CCP, have completed 15 college credits at Palm Beach State College towards their degree and have declared a program objective code of 2358 (Associate in Science Degree – Early Childhood Education), may be eligible for articulation into 9 college credits upon request. The credits will be for the following courses: EEC2734, EEC2271 and CHD1220. The articulation process is not automatic at the completion of 15 credits, articulations must be requested through the program director.
Many programs have transfer agreements with other colleges and universities that allow students to transfer course or program credit into a four-year program.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for many of the child care courses offered at Palm Beach State College through the SEEK and TEACH scholarships.
Staff Credential Renewal
For information on Staff Credential Renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application, Section 5 for details on the renewal process.
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Overview
Three to Five Years Old (Preschool Track)
Students who successfully complete the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) program - Preschool Track and work with children three to five years old in a licensed child care facility will be awarded an ECPC by the Florida Department of Education as well as a staff credential issued by the Florida Department of Children and Families. This program also prepares students for the National CDA Credential.
This program is divided into three modules covering the eight content areas for the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) in which a student must demonstrate competence.
Early Childhood (ECPC) Professional Certificate - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Students who earn an Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC), have completed 15 college credits at Palm Beach State College towards their degree and have declared a program objective code of 2358 (Associate in Science Degree – Early Childhood Education), may be eligible for articulation of their ECPC program into 9 college credits, upon request. The credits will be for the following courses: EEC2734, EEC2271 and CHD1220. The articulation process is not automatic upon completion of your 15 credits in the AS degree in Early Childhood Education. Students must submit a request to the program director.
Many programs have transfer agreements with other colleges and universities that allow students to transfer course or program credit into a four-year program.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for many of the child care courses offered at Palm Beach State College through the SEEK and TEACH scholarships.
Staff Credential Renewal
For information on Staff Credential Renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application, Section 5 for details on renewal process. www.myflorida.com/childcare
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Overview
Afterschool Track
The Department of Education School Age Professional Certificate (SAPC) program prepares the student who works with children 5 years and up (through grade 12) in a licensed afterschool program.
The program includes the State mandated introductory certification training, 80 hours of SAPC coursework, 480 hours of work experience and on-site observation in an afterschool setting. (80 of these work hours must be completed while enrolled in the training program.)
School Age Professional Certification - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The student who has earned a Department of Education SAPC Certificate, completed 15 college credits at Palm Beach State College towards their degree and has a program objective code of 2374 (Associate in Science Degree: Human Services - Youth Development Concentration), will be eligible for articulation into 3 college credits upon request. The credits will be for the following course: HUS1620-Principles and Best Practices in Afterschool Programs.
Many programs have transfer agreements with other colleges and universities that allow students to transfer course or program credit into a four-year program.
Financial Assistance
Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc. is a non-profit, intermediary organization dedicated to quality school-age afterschool programs. Prime Time offers scholarships for the SAPC (PBC_AEC) to Management and front line practitioners employed in a Palm Beach County afterschool program working with school-age children. Complete a scholarship application. You may be eligible for financial incentives upon successful completion of the SAPC (PBC-AEC).
Staff Credential Renewal
For information on Staff Credential Renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application, Section 5 for details on renewal process. www.myflorida.com/childcare
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Level 3: Credit Pathway
Overview
Program consists of coursework in leadership, administration, educational programming and financial issues associated with managing a quality child care program.
It provides instruction consisting of college-level courses to prepare students for the management and administrative aspects of a child care program. The approved course for the foundational level of the Florida Director Credential is EEC 1523 Overview of Child Care Center Management.
Child Care Center Management - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Credits can be applied toward the A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Child Care Center Management. The courses included in this certificate will satisfy the coursework requirements for child care center managers/administrators who are seeking their Florida Director Credential.
Overview
Increase your marketability when searching for positions as lead teacher and assistant teacher in an infant/toddler classroom. This college credit certificate (CCC) program prepares students as early childhood education caregivers with an infant/toddler specialization and/or will provide supplementary training for those currently employed in these occupations. It consists of college-level courses in infant/toddler development, curriculum, classroom environment, classroom management, adult-child interaction, and parent relationships.
Infant/Toddler - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
These credits can be applied to the A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Infant/Toddler.
Overview
Increase your marketability when searching for positions as a lead teacher and assistant teacher caring for pre-school children. This program prepares students as early childhood education providers with a preschool specialization and/or to provide supplementary training for those currently employed in these occupations. This program consists of college-level coursework in early childhood preschool development, curriculum, classroom environment, classroom management, adult-child interaction, and parent relationships.
Pre-School - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
These credits can be applied to the A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Pre-School.
Overview
This program is designed to be the first educational step to a professional career in Human Services with emphasis in Youth Services or other positions that are a part of the social services delivery.
It will focus on broad introductory principles of human services specific to best practices and techniques in youth development. Course work will prepare students to function as youth workers using a youth development approach in community-based, residential, group home and other youth environments. The program examines established quality standards and best practices and their practical application in Youth programming.
Youth Development - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Upon completion of this program, you may seek employment in social service agencies, government and community agencies, group homes, afterschool programs and educational settings.
Credits earned in this certificate program will transfer into the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Human Services.
Overview
This degree program provides the student with a thorough background in all aspects of child development as well as expanding his or her classroom knowledge into practical hands-on teaching experience.
The program also provides the student with the training and information they need to pursue a career working with infants through school age children.
Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Students who complete this program can seek educator, caregiver or manager positions within licensed child care centers, in private and public school settings and in afterschool/mentoring programs, such as Head Start. Head Start is a federal program that requires its teachers to have earned at least an A.S. or A.A. degree.
Courses from this program may transfer into Palm Beach State’s Bachelor of Applied Science program in Supervision and Management.
Level 4: Professional Development
The mission of the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education is to provide the child care workforce of Palm Beach County with a comprehensive approach to career development in the field of early childhood education.
Instructor Website
This page was created to be a resource for instructors teaching in the Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs. These resources should be used in the classroom and to aid or supplement material you are currently using.
Note: Palm Beach State College username & password required.
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