Official Title of Major: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education, A.A.T.

Award: Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.)

Code: AAT.EDU.ECE

Total Credit Hours: 63

About the Teacher Education and Childcare Institute

Purpose: The Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree is designed for students preparing to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a baccalaureate degree and earn Maryland state teacher certification. The program incorporates foundation coursework in teacher education, content coursework in a selected certification area and a field-based experience at the appropriate level of teacher certification.

This curriculum prepares students to transfer to an early childhood education or generic special education program at a four-year college or university in the state of Maryland. The Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree has been articulated with all of the transfer programs in early childhood  education and generic special education in the state of Maryland. Upon completion of the A.A.T. degree, students are eligible to be admitted as an early childhood education or generic special education major at a Maryland transfer institution. The courses in this degree are not sufficient to meet all special education or inclusion course requirements for four-year teacher education programs.

Additional Degree Requirements

To earn the degree and be eligible for seamless transfer within Maryland, students must complete all required coursework and the following additional requirements:

• Students must submit either a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale; or a 2.75-2.99 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and qualifying scores on the basic skills assessment for teacher licensure as established by the State Superintendent of Schools and as approved by the State Board of Education;
• Students must complete fieldwork requirements as indicated by the Teacher Education and Child Care Institute. 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.
• Students must earn a C or better in all coursework required for the degree.

Students may be required to meet additional admittance requirements at the chosen transfer institution.

Faculty Contact (https://webapps.aacc.edu/directory/default.cfm): Karen Phelan, Ed.D.

Courses to improve skills and prepare for college-level classes may be needed. It is best to see an advisor as you plan your education.

Course/Advising Notes: ________________________________________________________________________

Term 1

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1  OR ENG 101A - Academic Writing and Research 1	3 credit hours
MAT 221 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 1	4 credit hours
PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology	3 credit hours
PHS 100 - General Physical Science	4 credit hours

Term 2

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2	3 credit hours
EDU 132 - Introduction to Early Childhood Development	3 credit hours
EDU 135 - Children’s Health, Nutrition and Safety	3 credit hours
MAT 222 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 2	4 credit hours
PHS 200 - Earth and Space Science	4 credit hours

Term 3

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
EDU 133 - Growth and Development   (first 8-week session) EDU 133 and EDU 214 are offered in accelerated formats and should be taken consecutively during the third semester to complete the program in a two-year timeframe OR students may take EDU 133 in a 15- or 13-week format and EDU 214 in the second 8-week session. Students should meet with an EDU advisor for approval.	3 credit hours
EDU 214 - Introduction to Special Education   (second 8-week session) EDU 133 and EDU 214 are offered in accelerated formats and should be taken consecutively during the third semester to complete the program in a two-year timeframe.	3 credit hours
MAT 223 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3	4 credit hours
GEO 102 - World Regional Geography	3 credit hours
HIS 211 - United States History through the Civil War  OR  HIS 212 - United States History Since the Civil War	3 credit hours

Term 4

Course Name	Credits	Term Taken	Grade
EDU 242 - Foundations of Reading and Language Arts	3 credit hours
EDU 247 - Early Childhood: Methods and Materials	3 credit hours
BIO 100 - Introduction to Biology	4 credit hours
HUM 101 - Introduction to Fine Arts	3 credit hours
PLS 111 - American Government	3 credit hours