Early Childhood Education Associate Degree: Career Option

The Early Childhood Education program prepares you for responsible positions in the field of early care and education or for careers in other child-related areas. As a graduate, you will be qualified for career opportunities in Early Education and cares as a lead teacher and, depending upon experience, as an assistant director or a director.

During the course of study, you will develop professional competencies and knowledge of the philosophy of early childhood education through exposure to theory and practice. Practical experience will be provided through weekly off-campus field placements and at the Children’s School in the Quinsigamond’s Child Study Center. You will gain a basic knowledge of the growth and development of young children, and an understanding of their learning processes in carefully planned environments.

A Criminal Offenders Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offenders Record Information (SORI) check is required of all students enrolled in the program. Students with a felony conviction may not be able to attend community facilities for fieldwork assignments and so would be unable to complete the program.

Courses

Semester 1

Introduction to Early Childhood Education
English Composition & Literature I
Introduction to Psychology
Mathematics Elective
Science Elective

Semester 2

Growth and Development of the Young Child or Human Development I: Conception to Adolescence
Family Issues & Dynamics
English Composition & Literature II
Social Science Elective
Science Elective

Semester 3

Curriculum for Young Children I
Integrating Theory and Practice I: Guidance of Young Children
Supervised Student Participation I
History Elective
Liberal Arts Elective

Semester 4

Curriculum for Young Children II
Integrating Theory and Practice II: Observing, Recording and Authentic Assessment
Supervised Student Participation II
ECE Elective
Liberal Arts Electives