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 young children with diverse abilities and cultures.
- Analyze and examine 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 needs.
- 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.
- Demonstrate an understanding of special education, current practices, and related educational theories.
Degree Map
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 18-19 CREDITS
Composition 6 credits
Mathematics/Laboratory Sciences 3-4 credits
MAT 142 | College Mathematics*** | 3 |
| OR | |
MAT 142L | College Mathematics with Support Lab* | 3 |
| or higher (3-4 credits) | |
Liberal Arts 6 credits
Select two of the following liberal arts courses:
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 | Effective Interactions* | 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 165 | Child Observation and Assessment | 3 |
ECE 170 | Curriculum Development and 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 THE DEGREE.
Recommended electives include, but are not limited to, the following: ECE 174, COM 204, PSY 240, and EDU 226. Students should consult an advisor for course selection.
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 60 - 61 CREDITS