EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION A.A.S. CURRICULUM
Program Course Requirements

First Year - Fall Semester
CDEV 1102 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 cr)
CDEV 1104 Child Growth and Development (3 cr)
CDEV 1106 Child Health, Wellness, Safety, and Nutrition (3 cr)
ENGL 1410 Composition I (4 cr) OR ENGL 1422 Practical Writing (3 cr)
General Education (3 cr)
Total 15-16 Credits

First Year - Spring Semester
CDEV 1112* Child Behavior and Guidance (3 cr)
CDEV 1114* Diverse Children and Family Relations (3 cr)
CDEV 1116* Integration of Play (3 cr)
CDEV 2202* Introduction to Special Education (3 cr)
General Education (3 cr)
Total 15 Credits

Second Year - Fall Semester
CDEV 2104* Observation and Assessment (3 cr)
CDEV 2106 Creative Activities and the Learning Environment (3 cr)
CDEV 2108* Introduction to Language and Literacy (3 cr)
CDEV 2116 Infant and Toddler Development, Learning, and Responsive Relationships (3 cr)
General Education (3 cr)
Total 15 Credits

Second Year - Spring Semester
CDEV 2204* Characteristics of Children with Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Behavioral Disorders (2 cr)
CDEV 2206* Careers and Business Strategies in Early Childhood (3 cr)
CDEV 2208* Understanding and Planning Curriculum (3 cr)
CDEV 2110* Internship (3 - 4 cr)
General Education ( 3 cr)
Total 14 - 15 Credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 60 CREDITS

Click here to download the Early Childhoog Education A.A.S. Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: This program will prepare students for a wide range of careers which may include Early Head Start Teacher, Food Program Monitor, RBPD (Relationship-based Professional Development) Specialist, Home Visitor, Achieve Trainer I, Public School Paraprofessional or Teacher’s Aide, School Age Childcare Provider. Graduates are prepared to work as a teacher in child care centers, Head Start programs, paraprofessionals, preschools, family childcare and after school programs.

Program Information: The Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree prepares individuals to independently provide a healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment in support of families and children. The program meets current hiring standards of center-based childcare programs, Head Start, family childcare, and paraprofessional job positions. Enjoy the hands-on experiences on campus, access to latest research, and/or convenience of online learning.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Integrate child development theory with appropriate practice in early care and education settings;
• Plan, prepare, and implement effective instruction;
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communications with families, coworkers, agencies, and early childhood partners;
• Incorporate and demonstrate diverse teaching and guidance strategies appropriate to addressing the needs of children, families, and communities;
• Plan, prepare, and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities to nurture cognitive, physical, language, social and emotional development;
• Recognize the importance of play to healthy child development and incorporate play based learning into early childhood environments;
• Demonstrate the skills of observation and record keeping of child development and learning;
• Apply professional behavior in daily work with children, families, co-workers and the community;
• Create and consistently maintain an appropriate, safe, healthy learning environment for children; and
• Recognize ethical, legal and professional responsibilities.

Admissions:

The Early Childhood Education program requires students to pass a Minnesota background check to participate in all of the field experiences and internships. In addition, CLC is a member of E-LECT (e-learning for early childhood teachers), which offers an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree online. Talk with an advisor for more details.

Career Opportunities:

Career Titles: