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
Mathematics/Laboratory Sciences 3-4 credits
| BUS 104 | Business Math* | 3 |
| OR | |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics** | 3 |
| or higher (3-4 credits) | |
Liberal Arts 6 credits
Select two of the following liberal arts courses:
| ART 103 | Design Fundamentals** | 3 |
| ART 120 | Appreciation of the Visual Arts | 3 |
| COM 102 | Essentials of Communication** | 3 |
| MUS 101 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| PHI 130 | Introduction to Ethics*** | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology** | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology** | 3 |
| SOC 160 | Sociology of Race and Ethnicity*** | 3 |
| THE 103 | Introduction to Theatre* | 3 |
Technology Literacy 3 credits
| CIS 116 | Computer Essentials* | 3 |
| OR | |
| CIS 120 | Introduction to Information Systems** | 3 |
CORE CURRICULUM 36 CREDITS
| ECE 150 | Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education* | 3 |
| ECE 152 | Observation, Behavior, and Guidance* | 3 |
| ECE 155 | Children's Language Development* | 3 |
| ECE 156 | Children's Literature and Literacy* | 3 |
| ECE 158 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children* | 3 |
| ECE 160 | Early Childhood Growth and Development* | 3 |
| ECE 161 | Understanding Families, Community, and Diversity* | 3 |
| ECE 170 | Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education* | 3 |
| ECE 172 | Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Education* | 3 |
| ECE 173 | Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs* | 3 |
| EDU 201 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU 222 | Introduction to Special Education* | 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