Early Childhood Care & Education - AAS Degree

The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in child care and related fields. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree and have the qualification of an early childhood care and education paraprofessional or early childhood program management director.

Length of Program
A minimum of 110 credit hours is required for graduation. A full time student can expect to complete the program in 8-9 quarters.

Employment Opportunities
A graduate may find employment as childcare provider, Head Start lead teacher and state funded pre-kindergarten lead teacher, teacher’s aid in a Title I School, or in related employment. A clear criminal background check is required for employment by childcare centers and public schools.

Curriculum

Course # Course Title Credit Hrs

General Core Courses
Area I Communication (10)
ENG 191 Composition and Rhetoric 5
(and one of the following two)
SPC 191 Fundamentals of Speech 5
ENG 195 Technical Communications 5

Area II Natural Sciences/Mathematics (5)
MAT 191 College Algebra 5

Area III Humanities/Fine Arts (5)
(choose one of the following four)
ENG 193 Literature and Composition 5
HUM 191 Introduction to Humanities 5
MUS 191 Music Appreciation 5
ART 191 Art Appreciation 5

Area IV Social Sciences (5)
PSY 191 Introductory Psychology 5

Elective General Core Elective (191 or above) (5)

Occupational Courses
ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education 5
ECE 103 Human Growth and Development I 5
ECE 105 Health, Safety, and Nutrition 5
ECE 112 Curriculum Development 3
ECE 113 Art for Children 3
ECE 114 Music and Movement 3
ECE 115 Language Arts and Literature 5
ECE 116 Math and Science 5
ECE 121 Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum I 3
ECE 122 Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum II 3
ECE 224 Early Childhood Care and Education Internship 12
ECE 201 Exceptionalities 5
ECE 202 Social Issues and Family Involvement 5
SCT 100 Introduction to Microcomputers 3

(choose one set of specialization courses = 15 credit hours)
Paraprofessional Specialization Courses
ECE 203 Human Growth and Development II 5
ECE 211 Methods and Materials 5
ECE 212 Professional Practices 5
OR
Program Management Specialization Courses
ECE 217 Program Administration 5
ECE 221 Facility Management 5
ECE 222 Personnel Management 5