Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science Degree
NMC Code 321
This program prepares students for the challenges of the ever-changing world of early care and education. Specialized courses and liberal arts studies provide students with a foundation needed to pursue careers in early childhood education, childcare, and preschool education. The order in which courses are taken is not critical except where prerequisites are involved. Course substitutions may be made only with the approval of the program coordinator or the academic area chair.
Students planning to pursue a four-year degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the school of choice for their bachelor’s degree.
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | English Composition | 4 |
| ENG 112 | English Composition | 4 |
| ENG 210 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| Math Competency 1 | ||
| Any Group 1 Science course with a lab | 4 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Occupational Specialty Requirements | ||
| ECE 101 | Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 202 | Human Development and Learning | 5 |
| ECE 203 | Curriculum for Child Guidance | 4 |
| ECE 204 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 4 |
| ECE 206 | Infant Toddler Care Curriculum | 4 |
| ECE 220 | Early Education Administration | 3 |
| ECE 230 | Early Literacy and Learning | 3 |
| ECE 240 | Integrated Arts in Curriculum | 3 |
| EDU 212 | Educating Exceptional Children | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 211 | Marriage and the Family | 3 |
| ECE 290A, ECE 290B, or ECE 290C Early Ed Practicum 2 | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ECE 101 | Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 206 | Infant Toddler Care Curriculum 1 | 4 |
| ENG 111 | English Composition | 4 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| MTH 100 | Quantitative Literacy | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 202 | Human Development and Learning | 5 |
| ECE 203 | Curriculum for Child Guidance 1 | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| ENG 112 | English Composition | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ECE 204 | Early Childhood Curriculum 1 | 4 |
| ECE 220 | Early Education Administration | 3 |
| ENG 210 | Children's Literature 3 | 3 |
| Group 1 Science w/ Lab | 4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 230 | Early Literacy and Learning | 3 |
| EDU 212 | Educating Exceptional Children | 3 |
| ECE 240 | Integrated Arts in Curriculum | 3 |
| SOC 211 | Marriage and the Family | 3 |
| ECE 290A, ECE 290B, or ECE 290C Early Ed Practicum 4 | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
- 1
Includes practicum hours with early childhood lab experience (required by most schools that have an early childhood program). Students can complete hours at their place of employment if it meets the placement requirements. Placements are arranged through the Early Childhood Education Coordinator.
- 2
Math Competency may be fulfilled by completing MTH 100 Quantitative Literacy with a grade of 2.0 or better, or placement into any math course higher than MTH 100
- 3
Meets Cultural Diversity requirement.
- 4
Up to 4 credits in Early Education practicum in infant/toddler and preschool settings.