Oct 31, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Early Childhood Development (A.A.S.)


Official Title of Major: Early Childhood Development, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Code: AAS.EDU.ECD

Total Credit Hours: A minimum of 60

About the Teacher Education and Child Care Institute (TEACH)

Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Early Childhood Development fulfills the state educational requirements for employment in a child care center as a teacher (senior staff), school-age staff member, and/or director. The program emphasizes the study of child development, early childhood curriculum/strategies, and administrative responsibilities, as well as requires passing a background check and completing field-based experiences in the early childhood learning environment. Individuals must meet additional state requirements regarding age and experience for employment.

Range of Occupations

  • Director/teacher of before- and after-school program
  • Director of child care center
  • Teacher in child care center

Graduation Requirements


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  for college-wide graduation requirements.

Honors Program Courses


If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions  of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Entrance/Admission Requirements


Criminal Background Check


Participation in the required fieldwork experience is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the criminal background check. For complete details, see the Teacher Education and Childcare Institute  section of this catalog.

Planning Tools: Sequence of Courses


 

 
  Two-Year (Fall and Spring Terms): Open/Print this Planning Tool      

 

General Education Requirements: 23 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits


Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Elective: 3 credits


Diversity Requirement


Satisfied by EDU 214 .

Technology Requirement


Satisfied by EDU 214 .

Wellness Requirement


Satisfied by EDU 135 

Program Outcomes


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

1. Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning, and apply the theories and principles to classroom teaching.

2. Identify the policies, issues, trends, and historical events in the field of early childhood education and its impact on how we work with young children today.

3. Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment techniques to inform decisions when working with young children.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of supporting, empowering and communicating with families and communities through building respectful, reciprocal relationships.

5. Demonstrate understanding of content areas and apply developmentally appropriate approaches and instructional strategies to enhance children’s learning and development.

6. Identify and explain effective and developmentally appropriate models of classroom and behavior management in the early childhood classroom.

7. Identify and implement ethical guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young Children standards related to early childhood practices as an early childhood professional who advocates for sound educational practices and policies.

8. Identify the roles and responsibilities of childcare providers for children infancy-12 years old focusing on planning, curriculum, age appropriate materials and instructional methods

9. Understand and identify the leadership skills, management practices and supervisory functions required for effective administration of a childcare facility.

10. Articulate the historical, philosophical, and legal basis of services for young children with special needs and identify ways to accommodate children with diverse needs in the classroom.

11. Explain the role language plays in the acquisition of reading development and identify foundational skills to support the emergent/early reader

This program aligns with all the college’s core competencies. For a full list of Core Competencies, click here.

Related Offerings


Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources