Early Childhood Care and Education - Associate of Applied Science (Major Code - ECE)

The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for those seeking to comply with industry regulations in child care and for those wishing to transfer to a university Bachelor of Applied Science degree program. Completion of this degree does not guarantee state licensure or certification. Students must obtain licensure through appropriate licensing agencies.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

• Design developmentally appropriate curriculum and strategies that promote the advancement of physical health, intellect, communication, and creativity in young children.
• Analyze, examine, and explain the multiple historical, philosophical, and social foundations as well as the contemporary trends in early childhood.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the need to plan for and provide a learning environment that is responsive to each child's individual physical health, intellectual development, emotional well-being, and nutritional safety needs.
• Design programs and strategies to support the social and emotional development of young children with diverse abilities using positive guidance techniques and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Explain the importance of establishing a positive, productive, and reciprocal relationship with children's families.
• Develop inclusive programs that identify and relate child observation and assessment tools and how they are used to guide developmentally appropriate decisions.
• Examine issues of linguistic and multi-cultural diversity, and ethics while maintaining professionalism in the early childhood field.
• Demonstrate an understanding of special education, current practices, and related educational theories.

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