Early Childhood Education
A.A.S. - Occupational Degree
This program is for students contemplating careers in early childhood education and for individuals employed in day care, Head Starts, at risk preschools, or other early childhood environments. Student must obtain TB test, a background and fingerprint check before entering any field placement.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in early childhood education that will prepare them to obtain an entry-level position within the field and (2) competency in communication, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and technological applications.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office or with a Faculty Advisor.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation
First Semester (Fall)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 165 + | Health, Safety & Nutrition + | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 166 * | Early Childhood Education Field Experience 1 * | 1 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 208 | Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking | 3 | GE-Additional Course |
| ENG 101 or 107 |
Freshman Composition I or First-Year Composition I |
3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 105 or 121 or 142 |
Mathematics for the Applied Sciences or Intermediate Algebra or College Mathematics |
3 | GE-Mathematics |
| 16 |
+ ECE165 is equivalent to ECE101/103/105
* ECE145 may satisfy ECE166/206/211
Milestones:
- Apply for the IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester (Spring)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 200 | Early Childhood Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 205 | Home, School & Community Relations | 3 | Major Requirements |
| ECE 206* | Early Childhood Education Field Experience 2 * | 1 | Major Requirement |
| Lab Science | Select one course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| ECE 240 | Child Growth and Development | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 14 |
* ECE145 may satisfy ECE166/206/211
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester (Fall)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 210 | Activities in Early Childhood Education | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 211* | Early Childhood Education Field Experience 3 * | 1 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 243 | Early Childhood Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 245 | Early Childhood Special Education | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| ECE Elective | Choose a 3 credit ECE Elective | 3 | ECE Elective |
| ENG 102 or 108 |
Freshman Composition II or First-Year Composition II |
3 | GE-Composition |
| 16 |
* ECE145 may satisfy ECE166/206/211
Milestones:
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester (Spring)
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 212 | Early Childhood Education Certificate Capstone | 1 | ECE Elective |
| ECE 250 | Early Childhood Language & Literacy Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 260 | Techniques for Observing & Assessing Children | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ECE 265 | Children's Literature | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| ECE 270 | Early Childhood Education Internship | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ECE Elective | Choose a 1 credit ECE Elective | 1 | ECE Elective |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Meet with Career Services