Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-307-1
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work as early childhood educators. It combines hands-on fieldwork with related academic work. Graduates become responsible for the care and education of children in the birth-to-eight-years age range. They create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning experiences, and work cooperatively with staff and families.
Early Childhood Education is a career option that has increased in demand. This expanding field is seeking potential students with keen observation skills, a talent for human insight, clear communication skills, and respect for children and families. Early Childhood Associate Degree graduates will meet the state educational requirements to be a Child Care Teacher in a licensed group early childhood center for children ages 2 weeks to 10 years old.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply child development theory to practice.
- Cultivate relationships with children, family, and the community.
- Assess child growth and development.
- Use effective, research-based practices in teaching and learning.
- Demonstrate professionalism.
- Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices.
Graduates Have Found Employment As
- Nannies
- Infant Toddler Caregiver
- Before & After School Child Care Centers
- Early Childhood Special Needs Assistants
- Early Childhood Centers Administration positions
- Child Care Teacher
- Child Care Assistant Teacher
View the entire course listing.
General Education Courses Within Program
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 307-148 | ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| 307-167 | ECE: Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| 307-151 | ECE: Infant & Toddler Development | 3 |
| 307-160 | ECE: Field Experience 1 | 3 |
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| 307-179 | ECE: Child Development | 3 |
| 307-188 | ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 |
| 307-108 | ECE: Early Language & Literacy | 3 |
| 307-110 | ECE: Social Studies, Art & Music | 3 |
| 307-170 | ECE: Field Experience 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| 307-187 | ECE: Children with Differing Abilities | 3 |
| 801-198 | Speech | 3 |
| 307-190 | ECE: Field Experience 3 | 3 |
| 307-112 | ECE: STEM | 3 |
| 804-134 or 804-118 | Mathematical Reasoning or Intermediate Algebra with Applications | 3-4 |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| 307-195 | ECE: Family and Community Relationships | 3 |
| 307-210 | ECE: Field Experience 4 | 3 |
| 809-196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 809-198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| 999-999 | Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60-61 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 801-198 | Speech | 3 |
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| 804-134 | Mathematical Reasoning | 3-4 |
| or 804-118 | Intermediate Algebra with Applications | |
| 809-196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 809-198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
A caregiver criminal background check and health examination are required prior to beginning a field experience course. Drug testing may also be required by certain sites. There are fees associated with these tasks. For more information, contact the program faculty and/or program advisor.
Taking a course within the Child Care Services technical diploma or Early Childhood Education associate degree prior to completing and passing a criminal background check does not guarantee enrollment in any of the field experience courses or placement in the early childhood field required for program completion.