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

  1. Create learning experiences that make content meaningful to students and reflect an understanding of the core concepts and structures of early childhood education.
  2. Provide learning opportunities that support the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of students based on an understanding of childhood development and learning.
  3. Adapt instruction for diverse learners based on an understanding of how students differ.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication.
  5. Create a learning environment that fosters active engagement, self-motivation, and positive social interaction by understanding individual and group behavior.
  6. Apply a variety of instructional approaches that promote student thinking, understanding, and application of knowledge.
  7. Use multiple assessment strategies for the continuous development of students.
  8. Pursue opportunities to improve teaching and thereby enhance professional growth.
  9. 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.
  10. Understand and maintain standards of professional conduct guided by legal and ethical principles.
  11. 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 105Fundamentals of Economics

3

ENG 121English Composition I

3

ENG 122English Composition II

3

MAT 205Introductory Survey of Mathematics

3

PHI 100Introduction to Critical Thinking

3

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3

Art Elective (3 credits)

Select three credits from:

ART 101Art Appreciation 1

3

ART 202Romanticism, Modern and Contemporary Art

3

ART 210Basic Design

3

ART 245The Art of Photography

3

ART 301Drawing and Painting

3

ART 302Drawing

3

ART 304Painting

3

ART 310Exploring Art Media

3

ART 315Watercolor Painting I

3

DRA 105Introduction to the Theater

3

DRA 110Acting I

3

DRA 140Origins and Early Forms of Theater

3

DRA 200Playwriting

3

DRA 307The Performing Arts

3

DRA 330Modern Theater

3

DSN 110Fundamentals of Drawing

3

MUS 101Music Appreciation

3

MUS 201Music in Contemporary Society

3

TEC 215Basic Photographic Techniques

3

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)

PSY 333Psychology of the Exceptional Child

3

PSY 336Child Development

3

Education Core (18 credits)

ECE 202Professional Issues in Early Childhood

3

ECE 206Family Development and Service Systems

3

ECE 211Language Arts in Early Childhood Programs

3

ECE 214Creating Environments for Learning

3

EPY 301Assessment of Exceptional Children and IEPs

3

RDG 300Language Development and Early Literacy

3

Clinical Component (12 credits)

ECE 203Methods of Teaching Art, Music, and Movement

3

ECE 204Integrated Methods: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math

3

ECE 216Internship in Early Childhood Education

6

Suggested Course Sequence

Freshman

Semester 1

ECE 202Professional Issues in Early Childhood

3

ENG 121English Composition I

3

MAT 205Introductory Survey of Mathematics

3

PHI 100Introduction to Critical Thinking

3

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

3

Semester 2

ECE 206Family Development and Service Systems

3

ECO 105Fundamentals of Economics

3

ENG 122English Composition II

3

EPY 301Assessment of Exceptional Children and IEPs

3

PSY 336Child Development

3

Sophomore

Semester 1

ECE 203Methods of Teaching Art, Music, and Movement

3

ECE 204Integrated Methods: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math

3

ECE 211Language Arts in Early Childhood Programs

3

ECE 214Creating Environments for Learning

3

RDG 300Language Development and Early Literacy

3

Semester 2

ECE 216Internship in Early Childhood Education

6

PSY 333Psychology of the Exceptional Child

3

Art Elective

SCI
Natural Science Elective