The Associate Degree in Early Care and Education is based on best practices and current research in the field of early childhood education. This degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote optimal child development for all children, regardless of background or ability. In addition to focusing on competencies in child growth and development, health and safety, curriculum, family engagement, guidance, and hands-on experience in a variety nationally accredited child care and early education settings, the program is well grounded in ethics, advocacy, and leadership skills. Students may choose from the business track, if they are interested in owning or operating a child care program or the instructional track, if they are interested in working in the classroom with the children. In addition to working in child care, the Associate Degree in Early Care and Education may also qualify students as instructional assistants in public school early childhood programs.
| A. | GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS
(18 CREDIT HOURS) |
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Credit Hours |
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| ENG 101 | English Composition I |
3.0 |
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| ENG 102 | English Composition II |
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OR |
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| ENG 165 | Professional Communication |
3.0 |
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| PSY 201 | General Psychology |
3.0 |
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| SPC 205 | Public Speaking |
3.0 |
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| CPT 101 | Introduction to Computers |
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OR |
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| CPT 170 | Micro Computer Applications |
3.0 |
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| MAT 155 | Contemporary Mathematics |
3.0 |
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Subtotal: |
18.0 |
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| B. | MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS (36 HOURS) | ||
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Credit Hours |
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| ECD 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Development |
3.0 |
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| ECD 102 | Growth and Development I |
3.0 |
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| ECD 105 | Guidance and Classroom Management |
3.0 |
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| ECD 107 | Exceptional Child |
3.0 |
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| ECD 108 | Family and Community Relations |
3.0 |
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| ECD 131 | Language Arts |
3.0 |
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| ECD 132 | Creative Experiences |
3.0 |
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| ECD 133 | Science and Math Concepts |
3.0 |
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| ECD 135 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
3.0 |
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| ECD 203 | Growth and Development II |
3.0 |
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| ECD 237 | Methods and Materials |
3.0 |
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| ECD 243 | Supervised Field Experience |
3.0 |
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Subtotal: |
36.0 |
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| C. | ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS (12 HOURS) | ||
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| BUSINESS TRACK: | |||
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Credit Hours |
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| ACC 111 | Accounting Concepts |
3.0 |
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| BUS 101 | Introduction to Business |
3.0 |
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| ECD 109 | Administration and Supervision |
3.0 |
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| MGT 120 | Small Business Management |
3.0 |
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Subtotal: |
12.0 |
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| INSTRUCTIONAL TRACK: | |||
| Credit Hours | |||
| ECD 201 | Principles of Ethics and Leadership in Early Childhood |
3.0 |
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| Approved Electives |
9.0 |
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Total Credit Hours: |
66.0 |
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ECD Electives: |
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| ECD 138 | Movement and Music for Children | ||
| ECD 200 | Curriculum Issues in Infant/ Toddler Development | ||
| ECD 205 | Socialization and Group Care of Infants and Toddlers | ||
| ECD 207 | Inclusive Care of Infants and Toddlers | ||
| ECD 251 | Field Placement for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| ECD 252 | Diversity Issues in Early Care and Education | ||
| ECD 270 | Foundation in Early Care and Education | ||
| SAC 101 | Best Practices in School-Age and Youth Care | ||
| HUS 102 | Personal and Professional Development in Helping Professions | ||
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OR |
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| Other approved electives as available | |||