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:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and analyze children's language growth and communication skills, and family and social input in relation to the spoken language from birth to age five.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, analyze, and articulate the growth and development from conception to middle childhood, including socialization, health, mental health, safety, and nutrition.
  • Explain the role of cultural and community diversity in the education of young children.
  • Select, plan, and present developmentally appropriate practices and create teaching activities that enhance children’s optimum growth to age eight.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, analyze, and articulate child development and preschool program management principles and classroom management techniques.

Degree Map

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 18-19 CREDITS

Composition 6 credits

ENG 101Composition**

3

ENG 102English Composition**

3

Mathematics/Laboratory Sciences 3-4 credits

BUS 104Business Math*

3

OR

MAT 142College Mathematics**

3

or higher (3-4 credits)

Liberal Arts 6 credits

Select two of the following liberal arts courses:

ART 103Design Fundamentals**

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 160Sociology of Race and Ethnicity***

3

THE 103Introduction to Theatre*

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 152Observation, Behavior, and Guidance*

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