Early Childhood Care and Education - Associate of Arts (Major Code - ECE)

The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Arts degree prepares students for transfer to a university program in the care and education of young children. It offers in-depth child development theory, practical applications in the workplace, and comprehensive skills for working with children and their families. To ensure seamless transfer, students must develop their specific program of study in close coordination with a Cochise College advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

• Analyze public education, including the workings of a public school; current educational issues and the role, duties, and qualifications of educators; and educational theories and methods.
• Design developmentally appropriate curriculum and strategies that promote the advancement of physical health, intellect, communication, and creativity in young children.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the need to plan for and provide a learning environment that is responsive to each child's individual physical health, intellectual development, emotional well-being, and nutritional safety 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.
• Analyze the relationship of culture on children's self-concept and learning style.

Degree Map

Note: Some students will have more than 62 credits because of varying credits in language, math, and other courses; 62 credits represent the minimum for this degree.