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

First Year - Fall Semester (15-16 credits)
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

First Year - Spring Semester (15 credits)
CDEV 1112   Child Behavior and Guidance, 3 cr
CDEV 1116  Integration of Play, 3 cr
CDEV 2106* Creative Activities and the Learning Environment, 3 cr
CDEV 2206  Careers and Business Strategies in Early Childhood, 3 cr
General Education, 3 cr

Second Year - Fall Semester (15 credits)
CDEV 1114* Diverse Children and Family Relations, 3 cr
CDEV 2104* Observation and Assessment, 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

Second Year - Spring Semester (14-15 credits)
CDEV 2204* Characteristics of Children with Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Behavioral Disorders, 2 cr
CDEV 2202   Introduction to Special Education, 3 cr
CDEV 2208* Understanding and Planning Curriculum, 3 cr
CDEV 2210* Internship, 3-4 cr
General Education, 3 cr

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 60 CREDITS

Click here to download the Early Childhood A.A.S. Degree 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 Titles: