Degrees
EDUCATION CONCENTRATION
Associate in Science Degree
Early Childhood Career Plan
Objectives
Students in the Early Childhood Education Concentration will:
- Learn about the professional aspects of teaching as a career.
- Become acquainted with the society of children, with emphasis on children with disabilities, infants, and toddlers.
- Understand school structure, governance, organization, student and teacher rights, student diversity and the separation of church and state.
- Become knowledgeable about the cognitive, social and physical aspects of growth and development in young children.
- Learn the principles and standards governing literature suitable for children and read representative selections from each recognized genre.
- Know the principles underlying enlightened and effective child care.
- Conduct a controlled field experience in early childhood care at a licensed facility.
- Prepare to succeed in licensure assessments by gaining a broad-based general education in the fine arts, mathematics, and literature.
Degree Information
This curriculum is designed for students who wish to become professional educators at various levels. Depending on interests, a student normally will follow one of two career tracks within this program.
The "Early Childhood" plan prepares students to assist professional educators in settings such as day care centers, nursery schools, and kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The curriculum balances general education courses with courses specifically designed to develop an understanding of the learning needs of young children. In addition, the program gives students a firm foundation for transfer into studies that culminate in a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
Recommended Course of Study
First Semester
College Writing *
Foundations of Education
Introduction to Psychology *
Intro to Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Computer Applications
or Computer Apps II
Self-Dev. (1cr) |
Second Semester
Introduction to Literature
College Algebra *
Early Childhood Growth & Development
Introduction to Sociology
Global History Elective
Self-Dev. (1cr) |
Third Semester
Effective Speaking
Educational Psychology
Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
Introductory Stat & Data Analysis or
Pre-Calculus
Natural Science Elective |
Fourth Semester
Language & Literature in ECE
Applied Ethics
Infant/Toddler Care
Practicum in ECED
Elective |
*Developmental courses may be required as prerequisites
**Courses listed in blue are described below. Other course descriptions are listed with Core Requirements
Course Descriptions - Education
ECE 105 (Formerly ED 120) - Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course is designed to explore the background development of early childhood education and how this historical development has affected current early childhood education programs (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 115 (Formerly ED 185) - Early Childhood Growth and Development
In this course, students study the normal prenatal to adolescent emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and integrate this development with the family unit (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 210 (Formerly ED 237) - Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
This course will identify characteristics of exceptional young children. These exceptionalities will include mental and behavioral differences, physical and sensory impairment and communication disorders. Alternative programming for these young children will be explored (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 215 (Formerly ED 251) - Infant and Toddler Care
This course is designed to explore the health, safety, natural and psychosomatic needs of the child. It includes the study of historical beliefs about child rearing, as well as current child rearing beliefs. Also, the course will explore early development in connection with parental values (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 240 (Formerly ED 245) – Language and Literature in Early Childhood Education
Students learn and evaluate current children’s literature. Students study the nature of children’s literature and how current literature for children compares with classic works. In addition, methods of introducing literature in environments for young children will be explored (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 245 (Formerly ED 260) - Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education
This course is designed to bridge theory and practice, creating an opportunity for students to relate critical methods in ECE to the design and creation of learning materials appropriate for young children. All areas of the ECE curriculum are addressed, emphasizing the structuring of the environment as a significant factor in the progressive growth and development of young children (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
ECE 260 (Formerly ED 267) – Practicum in Early Childhood Education Development
This course is a structured field experience. The student spends 15 hours in course instruction and 30 hours of fieldwork in child care centers. Experiences are designed through a case study approach. Students study the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of children in terms of learning experience in science, mathematics, language arts, etc (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
EDU 105 (Formerly ED 151) - Foundations of Education
This course is a study of the development of American education historically, culturally and philosophically. Emphasis is placed on the professional nature of teaching and career opportunities for prospective teachers (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.
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