Early Childhood Education, AS

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education

Normal Program Completion Time: Two Years

This program is taught at the Main Campus and online.

Students in the Associate of Science in the Early Childhood Education degree program learn appropriate skills and techniques to support the development of children aged birth through eight years old. Students gain an understanding of the developmental characteristics and stages of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and primary grade children; early learning standards, appropriate assessment and challenging curriculum; culturally-responsive strategies that support children developing typically as well as exceptional learners; authentic family and community engagement; and professional, ethical responsibilities. Students create appropriate program plans that foster positive self-esteem, promote social skills and increase multicultural awareness. Students visit and participate in a variety of early childhood classroom settings, where they can apply the skills that they are learning and work collaboratively with their peers and co-workers. Students complete two 100-hour practicum courses. Graduates are prepared for careers as teachers in early care and education settings, paraprofessionals or teacher assistants, home visitors, parent educators, nannies, family service workers, social services specialists or family resource center workers.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005, (202) 232-8777. The accreditation term for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program runs from March 2019 through March 2021.

Professionalism, Prevention of Abuse, and Safety in the Field of Early Childhood Education

Children deserve to be safe and well taken care of. Thus, one critical way to ensure this is to make sure that adults caring for and working with children have undergone a comprehensive background check and fingerprinting.

Background Checks & Fingerprinting Information

As a degree candidate in Early Childhood Education or Child Studies you will be required to complete observations, as well as practicums and capstone field experiences. A criminal background check and/or finger printing may be required for any such observations and/or placements working with children.

Please note: The requirement for criminal background checks and/or fingerprinting is at the sole discretion of your chosen site/s in accordance with local, state, and federal law. Students are responsible for understanding and meeting any such requirements prior to engaging the observations or field experiences.

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education Program Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of young children's characteristics and development across all domains both as individuals and as a group.
2. Students will apply their knowledge and understanding of family, culture and community characteristics when building effective relationships with families and children.
3. Students will communicate their essential understanding of the goals, benefits and appropriate uses of assessment.
4. Students will implement developmentally effective approaches to curriculum and instruction that are research-based, culturally sensitive, appropriate for each child, and incorporate the children's family as partners.
5. Students will demonstrate research-based content knowledge in early education.
6. Students will maintain a professional commitment to children, families, colleagues and the early childhood community.
7. Students will communicate effectively and professionally both orally and through writing.