Early Childhood Education A.A.S.
A55220
The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.
Coursework includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children.
Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.
This program is nationally-accredited by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC). The competencies that follow align with the NAEYC standards and are compatible with the Strategic Goals of WPCC.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Design meaningful, challenging curriculum for all children
- Create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging environments for each child
- Identify developmentally appropriate strategies that create respectful, reciprocal relationships for families and communities
- Demonstrate responsible use of systematic observations, documentations, and other effective assessment strategies
- Apply ethical guidelines and professional standards to make sound educational decisions
Program Graduation Policy
Early Childhood Education requires a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and identification with the field when interacting with children, families, co-workers, and the community. As a result, students enrolled in this nationally-accredited Early Childhood program must continuously demonstrate growth in and development of ethical and professional conduct, as well as, application of knowledge and skills through service with and in teaching young children and their families. Therefore, to graduate from the program, students in the Early Childhood Education program are required to attain the following:
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Complete 20 hours of documented service outside of coursework through direct or indirect service with children, families, or agencies which serve children and families.
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Earn grades of "C" or higher in core and other required major hour courses. Students earning less than a "C" in any core or other required major hour course must repeat that course to raise the grade to a "C" or higher.
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Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher for all coursework at the end of the program of study.
Furthermore, before participating in a practicum experience, students may be required to submit to a criminal records check, a TB test, and/or attest to physical fitness. These requirements are at the discretion of the cooperating placement site.
General Education
Required Courses
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Natural Science/Mathematics
(Select 3-4 SHC from the following courses)
| BIO 140 | Environmental Biology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| BIO 140A | Environmental Biology Lab | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Humanities/Fine Arts
Select 3 SHC from the following
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| DRA 111 | Theatre Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| DRA 126 | Storytelling | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | FA, SP |
| PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| REL 110 | World Religions | 3 | FA, SP |
Major Courses
Core Required Course
| EDU 119 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 4 | FA |
| EDU 131 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 | SP |
| EDU 144 | Child Development I | 3 | FA |
| EDU 145 | Child Development II | 3 | SP |
| EDU 146 | Child Guidance | 3 | FA |
| EDU 151 | Creative Activities | 3 | SP |
| EDU 153 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | SP |
| EDU 221 | Children With Exceptionalities | 3 | FA |
| EDU 234 | Infants, Toddlers, & Twos | 3 | FA |
| EDU 280 | Language/Literacy Experiences | 3 | FA |
| EDU 284 | Early Child Capstone Prac | 4 | SP |
Other Major Required Courses
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| EDU 184 | Early Childhood Introductory Practicum | 2 | SP |
| EDU 251 | Exploration Activities | 3 | FA |
| EDU 259 | Curriculum Planning | 3 | SP |
General Elective
(Select 3-4 SHC from the following courses)
| ASL 111 | Elementary ASL I | 3 | FA, SP |
| BUS 230 | Small Business Management | 3 | SP |
| EDU 235 | School-Age Develop & Programs | 3 | |
| EDU 261 | Early Childhood Admin I | 3 | |
| EDU 262 | Early Childhood Admin II | 3 | |
| PSY 241 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 281 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| SOC 213 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | FA |
| SOC 220 | Social Problems | 3 | SP |
| SPA 111 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| SPA 181 | Spanish Lab 1 | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
Total Credit Hours: 64