Your Education
The Early Childhood Education program offers courses applicable to all students as well as those planning on a highly satisfying career nurturing young children. The Child Development I course (ECE 104X) is a social science option in the general education requirements for any bachelor’s degree. Individual classes such as child guidance, nutrition & physical wellness, and positive social development may be of interest to parents or community members.
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in early childhood education is a 60 credit program. Students attending fulltime can complete it in 2 years, but many students attend part time while they are working or raising a family. The program is intended for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire to retrain for employment in this field.
In addition to the courses of interest to all, students becoming early childhood professionals will study safety & health, learning environments, culture & the young child, families, screening & assessment, curriculum development for various ages, and inclusion of young children with special needs.
Certificate Program (Cert.)
The certificate in early childhood education is helpful for those who want to formalize their early childhood education training. Often, students who choose this option have a degree in another field but need to show an employer the knowledge and skill specific to early care and education as well. All courses in the certificate apply to the A.A.S. degree, and most students continue on to complete the 60 credit degree.
Nanny Caregiving (O.E.)
The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement prepares the student for work as a knowledgeable in-home childcare provider. Students who successfully complete the program will acquire the skills to support the development of infants and young children under their care to grow and thrive in a nurturing environment. The program includes a foundation in child development from prenatal through the elementary school years as well as coursework in curriculum development for various ages, safe healthy learning environments, culture and the young child, and positive social and emotional development.
The occupational endorsement was designed to enable students to complete their coursework in just two terms with careful advising. The program uses performance-based assessment rather than testing. The courses are available 100% online allowing students to work at their own convenience during the designated timeline of the course or with synchronous options. The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement serves as a stepping stone in the early childhood education profession. Students who want to learn more can continue on to the certificate and further degree and career opportunities.
Minor (Minor)
The minor in early childhood education allows students to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills through coursework that includes an introduction to the early childhood profession and development of the child in their prenatal, infant and toddler years or in their preschool and primary years. Working with an early childhood program advisor, students will select the classes that are best for their interests.
This minor is a great choice for Bachelor of Arts degree students who need to satisfy their minor requirement, or for Associate of Arts students who want to explore early childhood education as an area of interest.
