Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education 

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education is an online degree structured to provide a seamless acquisition of academic requirements for various career levels in occupations related to child care and early childhood education in the public and private sectors. The early childhood education courses provide the academic requirements for meeting assessment guidelines for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The general education courses can be applied toward the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child development and learning
• Know about, understand, and value the role of a child's family, culture, and community in children's lives
• Work cooperatively with parents, using an understanding of the family as a context for young children's development
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a reflective early childhood practitioner
• Demonstrate knowledge of health, safety, nutrition, and administrative guidelines
• Develop a thorough understanding of child development and the value of play in children's learning
• Design developmentally-appropriate curriculum and classroom practices
• Adhere to ethical practices in the field of early childhood education

Program of Study

General Education coursework or enrollment in courses as needed: 35 hours

Required Coursework: 25 hours

• TECH 1001 Orientation to the University
• ECE 2113 Basic Child Growth and Development
• ECE 2313 Foundations and Theories in Early Childhood Education
• ECE 2513 Curriculum for Early Childhood Education
• ECE 2613 Methods and Materials Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Activities for Young Children
• ECE 2991-9 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
• NUR 2303 Nutrition

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

•  Freshman

  Fall		Spring
  ENGL 1013 Composition I1	3	ENGL 1023 Composition II1	3
  Mathematics1	3	Communication1	3
  Science with Lab1	4	Science with Lab1	4
  Social Sciences1	3	Social Sciences1	3
  ECE 2113 Basic Child Growth and Development	3	ECE 2313 Foundations and Theories in Early Childhood Education	3
  TECH 1001 Orientation to the University	1
  Total Hours	17	Total Hours	16

•  Sophomore

  Fall		Spring
  Fine Arts & Humanities1	6	U.S. History/Government1	3
  ECE 2513 Curriculum for Early Childhood Education	3	ECE 2991-9 Practicum in Early Childhood Education2	9
  ECE 2613 Methods and Materials Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Activities for Young Children	3	NUR 2303 Nutrition	3
  Total Hours	12	Total Hours	15

 ¹See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".