Early Childhood Education, Associate of Science
Purpose
The Associate of Science degree program in Early Childhood Education prepares students to work primarily as paraprofessionals (instructional aides, teaching associates, teaching assistants) in the public schools, or as teachers in private preschool and child care settings. Upon completion of the Associate of Science degree, a student may elect to continue studies to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Care and Education.
Program of Study
The program begins with courses designed to introduce students to basic principles of child growth and development and psychology. Courses follow in the area of language development and literacy, methods of teaching, and assessment. The centrality of the family and community in the life of the child is emphasized throughout the program. Classroom management and assessment strategies are studied in separate courses and are also integrated into courses and fieldwork. As a final course in the program, an internship in an approved setting is required. A minimum of sixty (60) total credits is required for degree completion.
Program Competencies
- Create learning experiences that make content meaningful to students and reflect an understanding of the core concepts and structures of early childhood education.
- Provide learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of students based on an understanding of childhood development and learning.
- Adapt instruction for diverse learners based on an understanding of how students differ.
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication.
- Create a learning environment that fosters active engagement, self-motivation, and positive social interaction by understanding individual and group behavior.
- Apply a variety of instructional approaches that promote student thinking, understanding, and application of knowledge.
- Use multiple assessment strategies for the continuous development of students.
- Pursue opportunities to improve teaching and thereby enhance professional growth.
- Collaborate with colleagues, parents/guardians, and other members of the community to support student learning and well-being and demonstrate knowledge of the role of the school in the community.
- Understand and maintain standards of professional conduct guided by legal and ethical principles.
- Demonstrate dispositions expected of beginning teachers.
Clinical Requirements
Internship placements for students must be arranged and approved through the College of Education, Office of Clinical Studies. Applications for placements must be submitted electronically and are due in the Office of Clinical Studies by August 1 for spring semester placements and February 1 for fall semester placements.
A criminal background check and Child Protection Registry clearance are required for ECE 216, Internship in Early Childhood Education.
Curriculum
General Education Requirements (18 credits)
| ECO 105 | Fundamentals of Economics | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 122 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MAT 205 | Introductory Survey of Mathematics | 3 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Art Elective (3 credits)
Select three credits from:
Natural Science Elective (3-4 credits)
May be three (3) or four (4) credit hours for AS degree. Must be four (4) credit hours to transfer to the BS in Early Care and Education (Birth-Grade 2) program.
Behavioral Science Core (6 credits)
Education Core (18 credits)
| ECE 202 | Professional Issues in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECE 206 | Family Development and Service Systems | 3 |
| ECE 211 | Language Arts in Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| ECE 214 | Creating Environments for Learning | 3 |
| EPY 301 | Assessment of Exceptional Children and IEPs | 3 |
| RDG 300 | Language Development and Early Literacy | 3 |
Clinical Component (12 credits)
| ECE 203 | Methods of Teaching Art, Music, and Movement | 3 |
| ECE 204 | Integrated Methods: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math | 3 |
| ECE 216 | Internship in Early Childhood Education | 6 |
Suggested Course Sequence
Freshman
Semester 1
| ECE 202 | Professional Issues in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 205 | Introductory Survey of Mathematics | 3 |
| PHI 100 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Semester 2
| ECE 206 | Family Development and Service Systems | 3 |
| ECO 105 | Fundamentals of Economics | 3 |
| ENG 122 | English Composition II | 3 |
| EPY 301 | Assessment of Exceptional Children and IEPs | 3 |
| PSY 336 | Child Development | 3 |
Sophomore
Semester 1
| ECE 203 | Methods of Teaching Art, Music, and Movement | 3 |
| ECE 204 | Integrated Methods: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math | 3 |
| ECE 211 | Language Arts in Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| ECE 214 | Creating Environments for Learning | 3 |
| RDG 300 | Language Development and Early Literacy | 3 |
Semester 2
| ECE 216 | Internship in Early Childhood Education | 6 |
| PSY 333 | Psychology of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| Art Elective | |
SCI
| Natural Science Elective | |