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:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and analyze children's language growth and communication skills, and family and social input in relation to the spoken language from birth to age five.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, analyze, and articulate the growth and development from conception to middle childhood, including socialization, health, mental health, safety, and nutrition.
  • Explain the role of cultural and community diversity in the education of young children.
  • Select, plan, and present developmentally appropriate practices and create teaching activities that enhance children’s optimum growth to age eight.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, analyze, and articulate child development and preschool program management principles and classroom management techniques.

Degree Map

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 18-19 CREDITS

Composition 6 credits

ENG 101CompositionSUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

ENG 102English CompositionSUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

Mathematics/Laboratory Sciences 3-4 credits

BUS 104Business MathThis course may be offered online

3

OR

MAT 142College MathematicsSUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

or higher (3-4 credits)

Liberal Arts 6 credits

Select two of the following liberal arts courses:

ART 103Design FundamentalsSUN courseThis course has laboratory or studio fees

3

ART 120Appreciation of the Visual Arts

3

COM 102Essentials of CommunicationSUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

MUS 101Introduction to Music

3

PHI 130Introduction to EthicsSUN courseThis course may be offered onlineIntensive writing course

3

PSY 101Introduction to PsychologySUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

SOC 101Introduction to SociologySUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

SOC 160Sociology of Race and EthnicitySUN courseThis course may be offered onlineIntensive writing course

3

THE 103Introduction to TheatreThis course may be offered online

3

Technology Literacy 3 credits

CIS 116Computer EssentialsThis course may be offered online

3

OR

CIS 120Introduction to Information SystemsSUN courseThis course may be offered online

3

CORE CURRICULUM 36 CREDITS

ECE 150Introduction to Early Childhood Care and EducationThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 152Observation, Behavior, and GuidanceThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 155Children's Language DevelopmentThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 156Children's Literature and LiteracyThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 158Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young ChildrenThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 160Early Childhood Growth and DevelopmentThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 161Understanding Families, Community, and DiversityThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 170Curriculum Development for Early Childhood EducationThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 172Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood EducationThis course may be offered online

3

ECE 173Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education ProgramsThis course may be offered online

3

EDU 201Introduction to Education

3

EDU 222Introduction to Special EducationThis course may be offered online

3

ELECTIVES (AS NEEDED TO COMPLETE 60 CREDITS)

Recommended electives include, but are not limited to, the following: ECE 174, SOC 160, COM 204, PSY 240, and EDU 226. Students should consult an advisor for course selection.

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 60 CREDITS