Program Mission
The major purpose of the A.A. in Early Childhood Education is to provide students with fundamental understandings of the typical and atypical development of young children, the criticality of family-community partnerships, current findings about the interrelationships of health, safety, and nutrition for the developing child, and the nature of learning through different kinds of experiences. The program prepares students to matriculate to a four-year program in majors such as Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or Child Development.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
The A.A. in Early Childhood Education program aligns with the mission elements of promoting academic achievement through its conceptual knowledge and skills-based student learning outcomes. Student learning outcomes focused on supporting children and families align with the mission elements of promoting positive moral and spiritual development, fostering leadership qualities, and encouraging students to be good citizens who can contribute to a global society.
Applied Learning: Students will identify appropriate theories and practices related to (1) human development and (2) learning environments in early childhood.
Disciplinary Knowledge: Students will identify effective school and community resources and strategies for building family and community relationships that support young children.
Conceptual Knowledge: Students will identify critical issues related to children’s learning and development in their families and communities.
Total 61 Hours
General Education Requirements (total hours 31)
Electives Requirements (total hours 6)
Major Requirements and Early Childhood Education Electives (total hours 24)
Foundational Studies:
EDU 101: Introduction to Early Childhood
EDU 102: Human Growth and Development
EDU 104: Exceptional Children
Critical Issues in Early Childhood:
EDU 106: Community and Family Relations
EDU 205: Health, Safety, and Nutrition
EDU 220: Special Topics
Early Childhood Arts and Literature:
EDU 208: Creative Arts
EDU 103: Early Childhood Literature
Career Options
These are just a few of the careers you could start with a degree in Early Childhood Education!
Preschool Teaching
Guide young children’s learning and development through play-based activities and foundational educational experiences.
Childcare Administration
Manage daycare centers or early childhood programs, overseeing staff, curriculum planning, and daily operations to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Curriculum Development
Create and improve educational materials and curricula designed for early childhood programs, focusing on age-appropriate learning and developmental milestones.