35 Early Childhood and Special Education Associate of Applied Science Programs

Support and teach young children in their first years of education. With a degree in Early Childhood at Jamestown Community College, you’ll be able to work in the education field with children from birth through preschool, with some opportunities through second grade.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer requires students to critically analyze child development theory, developmentally appropriate approaches, and instructional strategies that positively influence children’s learning and development. Students explore the importance of developmental domains and use their knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful curricula and environments that promote comprehensive developmental learning outcomes for children. Child observation, documentation, and assessment are explored as essential practices in order to develop effective curricula and interventions. The California Title 22 regulations, standards, and policies required for early care and education programs are examined. Ethical guidelines, professional practices, and advocacy are assessed to inform future practitioners of standards in the early childhood profession.

San José City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AST) degree, and various certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Graduates of the Associate in Science degree qualify through academic preparation and field experience for work in child centers, pre-schools, daycare facilities, infant and toddler centers, and other programs serving young children.

The Early Childhood Education program provides an educational and practical foundation for students interested in working with children from infancy through third grade. In addition to theoretical principles, the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in Early Childhood Education. The program leads to certificates in Early Childhood Education and/or an Associate of Science Degree. The EAR courses will also fulfill the required child development coursework for the state-issued Child Development Permit. Information regarding this permit and/or the Early Childhood Education Certificates are available from the Early Childhood Education Department.

The Early Childhood Development associate of applied science degree is a 60-credit option that prepares students with the necessary skills to be qualified for a variety of early childhood positions. The program emphasizes observation, assessment, and planning of curriculum activities to support cognitive development, fine/gross motor physical development, social and emotional development, language and literacy development, and self-help skills of children from birth through age eight. Credits earned while completing the educational requirements for the AAS articulate directly into the LC State General Studies: Education BA/BS degree option offered through the Teacher Education Division.

This certificate is appropriate for students interested in working as an assistant or a paraprofessional in early intervention, early childhood special education, and community child development programs serving children with special needs. In addition to theoretical principles, the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in the field of Early Childhood Intervention. The program leads to a certificate in Early Childhood Intervention and/or an Associate of Science Degree. The program will also fulfill the required child development coursework for the state-issued Child Development Permit. Information regarding this permit and/or the Early Childhood Intervention Certificate is available from the Early Childhood Education Department.

Coursework in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program combines theory and practical experience for working with young children and their families. Courses include child development, child behavior and guidance, children with special needs, planning early childhood learning environments, planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, and working with families. Practicum courses provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to planning and presenting curriculum, and for working with children and staff in early childhood centers.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in Early Childhood Education) is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education. Students will understand the importance of the family and cultural connection to the developing child.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Transfer (AS-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for ECE majors (or majors that have been deemed similar in the CSU system). The AS-T degree prepares students to function in a variety of early childhood programs and services and is for students who seek to transfer to a California State University institution or to prepare for a career in early childhood education by meeting the requirements to work in public or private child care facilities.

UM Western's Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares early childhood practitioners to meet the unique needs of children from birth through age eight and their families in a variety of early childhood settings, including child care homes and centres, Head Starts, and preschools.

The Early Childhood Education associate of applied science degree program prepares students to provide high-quality care and education of young children birth through age 8.

The Associate in Applied Science: Major in Early Care and Education degree is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers working with children and families in early care and education. Academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills are cultivated by learning opportunities based on best practices and current research in the field.

Early Childhood Education focuses on the teaching and care of young children by providing the theoretical background of child development and developmentally appropriate practices of education of young children.

To work effectively with children, early childhood educators must be sensitive to and understand the developmental stages of children. This curriculum contains theoretical and practical experiences to prepare students to work in early childhood programs in a variety of settings. The required field experiences expose students to best practices in early childhood education.

The early childhood education program at Becker is designed to maximize your future, career and academic options in your chosen field of education.