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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.

Degree Map

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 18-19 CREDITS

Composition 6 credits

ENG 101Composition**

3
OR
ENG 101LComposition with Support Lab

3
ENG 102English Composition**

3

Mathematics/Laboratory Sciences 3-4 credits

BUS 104Business Math*

3
OR
MAT 142College Mathematics***

3
OR
MAT 142LCollege Mathematics with Support Lab

3
or higher (3-4 credits)

Liberal Arts 6 credits

Select two of the following liberal arts courses:

ART 103Two-Dimensional Design and Composition***

3
ART 120Appreciation of the Visual Arts

3
COM 102Essentials of Communication**

3
MUS 101Introduction to Music

3
PHI 130Introduction to Ethics***

3
PSY 101Introduction to Psychology**

3
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology**

3
SOC 215Race and Ethnicity***

3
THE 103/HUM 111Introduction to Theatre Arts**

3

Technology Literacy 3 credits

CIS 116Computer Essentials*

3
OR
CIS 120Introduction to Information Systems**

3

CORE CURRICULUM 36 CREDITS

ECE 150Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education*

3
ECE 152Effective Interactions*

3
ECE 155Children's Language Development*

3
ECE 156Children's Literature and Literacy*

3
ECE 158Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children*

3
ECE 160Early Childhood Growth and Development*

3
ECE 161Understanding Families, Community, and Diversity*

3
ECE 170Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education*

3
ECE 172Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Education*

3
ECE 173Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs*

3
EDU 201Introduction to Education

3
EDU 222Introduction 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