The Early Childhood Education (ECE) professional will provide developmentally appropriate care to children in Early Childhood Care and Education programs. The field of Early Childhood covers birth through eight years of age.

Daytime morning, field experiences are requirements in all ECE classes, progressing from basic observations to a supervised observation/participation class which precedes student teaching in program approved and licensed Early Childhood Care and Education programs. Experiences include working with children and families, curriculum development, team teaching responsibilities, classroom management, guidance techniques and portfolio development. Communication skills and collaborative behaviors are emphasized.

College and state medical assessments and background inquiry checks are required of all individuals working with young children.

Associate in Applied Science Degree 

Semester One			Credit Hours
	ECE 110		Early Childhood Development	3
	ECE 111		Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
	PSY 100		Introduction to Psychology	3
#	RHT 101		Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I	3
			General Education/Humanities/Fine Arts	3
			Semester Credit Hours	15
Semester Two
#	ECE 118		Health, Nutrition and Safety	3
#	ECE 121		Language Development & Activities	3
#	ECE 146		Child, Family & Community	2
	HTH 281		First Aid & CPR	2
	SPE 101		Principles of Effective Speaking	3
			General Education/Mathematics or
			General Education/Physical & Life Science	3-4
			Semester Credit Hours	16-17
Semester Three
#	ECE 138		Observation, Assessment, Curriculum and Guidance of Young Children	4
			Semester Credit Hours	4
Semester Four
#	ECE 142		Students with Disabilities in School	3
#	ECE 231		Science & Math for Children	3
#	ECE 233		Creative Activities for the Young Child	3
			General Education/Social & Behavioral Science	3
			Electives	4
			Semester Credit Hours	16
Semester Five
#	ECE 251		Practicum	4
#	ECE 252		Seminar	3
			Program Electives	7
			Semester Credit Hours	14
			Total Credits Required for Graduation	65-66
Suggested Electives:		Program Electives (7): ECE 122◊, ECE 136◊, ECE 151◊, ECE 152◊, ECE 153◊, ECE 154◊, ECE 155◊, ECE 156◊, ECE 230◊, ECE 250◊, ECE 296◊ Suggested Electives (4): PSY 234◊, Refer to the Associate of Arts Teaching degree in Early Childhood Education for elective choices if you plan on transferring for a teaching degree.
Coordinator:		Mary Rinchiuso, Ext. 3022
Area of Concentration
Additional Information:		See ECE course descriptions.     See Humanities and Social & Behavioral Science General Education requirements.     See Associate in Arts degree requirements for Physical and Life Sciences and Mathematics General Education.     Note: A minimum grade of "C" is a requirement for each ECE course in all ECE programs.