Early Childhood Education
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is designed to prepare individuals for employment as early childhood professionals in a variety of educational settings. The AAS program includes courses based on current ECE theory and practice as well as general education classes to broaden a student's base of knowledge. Certificates of Completion are also available. Some of these programs are available at select colleges. Please check with your local college for program availability.
Details
Field of Interest
Education
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Early Childhood Education (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3186
Total credits required
60-74
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
For some employment and field experiences (including internship courses), students will be required to have a current Identity Verified Print (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card and a current TB test.
What You'll Learn
- Design developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences that promote each child's growth and development in the following domains: Social-Emotional, Physical, Cognitive, and Language and Literacy. (CFS101AH, CFS/ECH176, CFS235, CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, ECH128, ECH281, EED200, EED205, EED210, EED225, EED260, EED261, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [HU])
- Implement developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences. (CFS101AH, CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, ECH128, ECH272, CFS/ECH273, CFS/ECH275, ECH279, ECH281, EED210, EED260, EED261, EED278, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, (COM), [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Maintain a safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy learning environment according to best practices and local, state, and national standards. (CFS123, CFS125, CFS/ECH271, CFS282, CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, CFS/ECH269, ECH280, ECH282, EED212, EED215, EED222, EED255, EED260, EED261, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [HU], [SG], [SQ])
- Assess children's learning and development through observation and documentation, using guidelines established by the profession. (CFS/ECH176, CFS235, CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, ECH140, CFS/ECH269, ECH270, EED200, EED205, EED255, EED260, EED261, EED280, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (CRE), [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Establish reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with families and communities. (CFS123, CFS125, CFS/ECH271, CFS282, ECH280, ECH282, EED212, EED215, EED225, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, (COM), [HU])
- Utilize communication skills to advocate for children and their families. (CFS/ECH269, CFS/ECH287, EED200, EED222, EED225, EED255, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
- Practice ethical and professional standards and behavior. (CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, CFS/ECH269, CFS/ECH287, EED200, EED255, EED260, EED261, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
- Advocate for an ethical, equitable, diverse, and effective early childhood education profession. (CFS/ECH269, CFS/ECH287, EED200, EED222, EED225, EED255, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous learning through education and research. (CFS/ECH271, CFS282, CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, ECH140, CFS/ECH269, ECH270, ECH272, CFS/ECH273, CFS/ECH275, ECH279, ECH282, CFS/ECH287, EED212, EED222, EED255, EED260, EED261, EED278, EED280, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (CRE), [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Collaborate with peers to problem solve within early childhood education and other disciplines. (CFS/ECH284AA, CFS/ECH284AB, CFS/ECH269, ECH272, CFS/ECH273, CFS/ECH275, ECH279, CFS/ECH287, EED222, EED255, EED260, EED261, EED278, CFS+++, EDU+++, EED+++, ECH+++, FCS+++, ITD+++, [FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 30-37 | |
| CFS101AH | Art Activities for the Young Child (1) AND | |
| ECH281 | Movement/Music for the Young Child (1) OR | |
| ECH128 | Early Learning: Play and the Arts (3) OR | |
| EED210 | Creative and Cognitive Play (3) | 2-3 |
| CFS123 | Health and Nutrition In Early Childhood Settings (1) AND | |
| CFS125 | Safety in Early Childhood Settings (1) AND | |
| ECH280 | Food Experiences With Young Children (1) OR | |
| EED215 | Early Learning: Health, Safety, Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3) | 3 |
| CFS/ECH176 | Child Development (3) OR | |
| CFS235 | Developing Child: Theory into Practice, Prenatal to Age Eight (3) OR | |
| EED205 | The Developing Child: Prenatal to Age Eight (3) | 3 |
| CFS/ECH269 | Child Care Seminar (1) AND | |
| CFS/ECH287 | Professional Development in Early Childhood Education (1) OR | |
| EED255 | Portfolio Development and Writing for the Profession (3) | 2-3 |
| CFS/ECH271 | Arranging the Environment (1) AND | |
| CFS282 | Mainstreaming The Young Child with A Disability (1) AND | |
| ECH282 | Discipline/Guidance of Child Groups (1) OR | |
| EED212 | Guidance, Effective Interactions and the Environment (3) | 3 |
| CFS/ECH284AB | Early Childhood Teaching Internship (3) OR | |
| EED260 | Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Internship (1) AND | |
| EED261 | Early Childhood Preschool Internship (1) OR | |
| CFS/ECH284AA | Early Childhood Teaching Internship (1) | 2-3 |
| ECH140 | Learning Made Visible Through Documentation (1) AND | |
| ECH270 | Observing Young Children (1) OR | |
| EED280 | Standards, Observation and Assessment of Typical/Atypical Behaviors of Young Children Birth Age Eight (3) | 2-3 |
| CFS/ECH273 | Math for the Young Child (1) AND | |
| CFS/ECH275 | Literacy Development and the Young Child (1) AND | |
| ECH272 | Science for the Young Child (1) AND | |
| ECH279 | Early Childhood Curriculum Development (1) OR | |
| EED278 | Early Learning Curriculum and Instruction - Birth to Age Eight (3) | 3-4 |
| EED200 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EED222 | Introduction to the Exceptional Young Child: Birth to Age Eight | 3 |
| EED225 | Language and Literacy in the Context of Culture and Relationships | 3 |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) or | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 9-12 | |
| Students must select nine (9) to twelve (12) credits from the following to complete the minimum total program credits required for this degree. Students are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor or student services analyst to identify the requirements for their desired academic and professional goals: | ||
| CFS+++ Any CFS Child/Family Studies course(s) | ||
| ECH+++ Any ECH Early Childhood Education course(s) | ||
| EDU+++ Any EDU Education course(s) | ||
| EED+++ Any EED Early Education course(s) | ||
| FCS+++ Any FCS Family and Consumer Science course(s) | ||
| ITD+++ Any ITD Infant/Toddler Development course(s) | ||
| General Education Requirement | Credits: 19-25 | |
| General Education Core | Credits: 12-18 | |
| First-Year Composition | Credits: 6 | |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND | |
| ENG102 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG108 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | 6 |
| Oral Communication | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Oral Communication area. | 3 | |
| Note: COM225 Public Speaking is recommended for students who wish to transfer to the BAE at ASU. | ||
| Critical Reading | Credits: 0-3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR | |
| Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) | 0-3 | |
| Mathematics | Credits: 3-6 | |
| MAT112 | Mathematical Concepts and Applications (3) OR | |
| Satisfactory completion of a higher-level mathematics course (3-6) | 3-6 | |
| Note: MAT14+ College Mathematics or any approved general education course in the Mathematical Application [MA] area may be required for students intending to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. | ||
| General Education Distribution | Credits: 7 | |
| Humanities and Fine Arts | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Humanities, Arts and Design area. | 3 | |
| Recommend: EDU/ENH291 Children's Literature OR EDU/HUM/STO292 The Art of Storytelling | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | Credits: 0 | |
| Fulfilled by EED222 in Required Courses area. | ||
| Natural Sciences | Credits: 4 | |
| Any approved general education course from the Natural Sciences area. | 4 | |
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.