Early Childhood Education, AS

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education

Normal Program Completion Time: Two Years

This program is taught on campus and online.

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to support the development of children from birth to age eight. Students will learn about the developmental stages of children in various age groups and gain an understanding of early learning standards, assessment methods, and how to create effective curricula. The program also covers culturally responsive strategies for supporting typically developing children and exceptional learners and how to engage with families and communities. Additionally, students will learn about professional and ethical responsibilities. The program includes opportunities for students to complete two practicums in early childhood settings, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world situations. Upon completion, students will be prepared to meet the early childhood professional preparation standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher's license or an early childhood certification. Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice.

Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts.

Learn about early childhood education credentials through the Council for Professional Recognition: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/about/learn-about-the-cda/.

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 2026.

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. Child Development and Learning in Context - Students will apply a robust understanding of the characteristics and development of young children, both as individuals and as a group, across all domains.
2. Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections - Students will use their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of family, culture, and community characteristics to establish effective relationships when engaging with families and children.
3. Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment - Students will demonstrate their essential comprehension of the objectives, advantages, and suitable assessment applications.
4. Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices - Students will skillfully implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction approaches based on research, sensitive to different cultures, suitable for each child, and involve the children's families as partners. 
5. Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum - Students will showcase their crucial knowledge of research-based content in early education.
6. Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator -  Students will demonstrate a strong professional commitment to children, families, colleagues, and the early childhood community.