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Home / Courses/Programs / Associates Degrees - Applied Science / Early Childhood Education A.A.S.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION A.A.S.

Prepares the graduate to work with young children aged 0-8 in a variety of settings that require understanding of how children grow, develop, and learn. A graduate is qualified as a group supervisor or head teacher in a child care center with early care and education programs, child day care center, infant toddler care, school-age care, nursery or preschool program, and private or government-funded program. With experience, a graduate is qualified as a director or supervisor.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • summarize patterns of child growth and development in children aged 0-8.

  • utilize appropriate regulations and best practices to design and implement a quality early childhood environment.

  • connect theories of learning and developmentally appropriate practice to create and implement quality curriculum units for early childhood classrooms.

  • formulate a plan for supporting collaborative family relationships.

  • summarize the role of advocacy for the early childhood profession.

  • demonstrate proper supervision of children in early education classrooms.

First Semester

Credits

ECE 110

Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education

3

ECE 120*

Children’s Growth and Development

3

or ECE 125*

Education and Care of Infants and Toddlers

3

ENG 105

College English I

3

PSY 140

Introduction to Psychology

3

Elective

Mathematics/Science

3-4

Semester Total

15-16

Second Semester

ECE 130*

Creative Program Planning

3

ECE 140*

Observation and Recording Techniques

3

ENG 106

College English II

3

PSY 242

Child Development

3

SOC 150

Introduction to Sociology

or EDU 210

Behavior Management and Guidance Practices

3

Semester Total

15

Third Semester

ECE 200

Young Children With Special Needs

or EDU 105

Introduction to Special Education

3

ECE 210*

Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education

3

ECE 215*

Language and Literature

3

PSY 240

Educational Psychology

or PSY 145

Human Growth and Development–The Life Span

3

Elective

Mathematics/Science

3-4

Semester Total

15-16

Fourth Semester

ECE 220

Student Teaching

8

ECE 225

The Early Childhood Professional Seminar

3

Elective**

Courses numbered 101 or above

4

Semester Total

15

Credit Total

60-62

*Child Care Lab (two hours per week per designated course) — field experiences and observations at a variety of inclusive child care centers, agency-based facilities, and other early intervention settings serving infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Physical exam and TB screening required.

**Recommended electives: BIO 101, 115; CIS 105; CMN 111; MAT 110, 125, 126; PHY 101; PSY 145, 242; SOC 150, 151, 251; SPN 101.

Students interested in Teacher Certification should consult with an academic advisor or counselor and select their electives carefully in accordance with the general education and/or pre-professional requirements at the four-year college or university to which they intend to transfer. The following courses are highly recommended for students intending to transfer: MAT 125, CMN 111, PSY 240, EDU 105.

Students wishing to obtain a second concentration must earn at least 15 additional credits.