AS Program Description

The Early Childhood Education program offers course work that prepares students to teach and guide young children’s learning and development in early childhood classrooms. Students in this program are introduced to the early childhood field, which focuses on supporting children ages 0-5. Students complete course work in child development, diverse populations, music, literacy development, child guidance, curriculum planning, and assessment. Course work takes place in active learning environments, with opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in a variety of authentic early childhood classroom settings. Students prepare graduation portfolios documenting their growth and development in the six Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, as recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Graduates of the program are prepared to teach preschool in private and corporate centers, in Head Start and public education tuition preschools; work as administrators, such as center directors, or program specialists; and work in daycares or other programs serving the needs of young children.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply child development knowledge when planning, preparing, and implementing learning experiences with young children.
  2. Evaluate classroom design to meet young children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs.
  3. Design, implement, and evaluate engaging learning experiences in all academic disciplines, to promote positive development and learning for each young child.
  4. Implement appropriate child observation, documentation, and other forms of authentic assessment to inform curriculum decisions, support development and to inform families and other professionals.
  5. Collaborate with children’s families and communities as partners in children’s development and success.
  6. Apply early childhood principles and practices in a practicum experience.
  7. Document learning and professional development through an authentic teaching portfolio.

Certificate of Completion Program Description

The Early Care and Education program offers specialized course work that prepares students to increase their skills in working with children in a variety of childcare and preschool classrooms. Students in this program are introduced to the early childhood field, which focuses on supporting children ages 0-5. Students complete course work in child development, diverse populations, music, literacy development, child guidance, curriculum planning, and assessment. Course work takes place in active learning environments, with opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in a variety of authentic early childhood classroom settings. Students prepare graduation portfolios documenting their growth and development in the six Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, as recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Graduates of the program are prepared to assist in preschool classrooms in private and corporate centers, in Head Start and public education tuition preschools, and work in daycares or other programs serving the needs of young children.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Use knowledge of child development to appropriately engage young children in learning experiences.
  2. Support young children’s learning in all academic areas.
  3. Use authentic assessment to support young children’s learning and development.
  4. Use authentic assessment to support young cApply early childhood principles and practices in a practicum experience.hildren’s learning and development.
  5. Document learning and professional development through an authentic teaching portfolio.