Education - Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree
Livonia, USA
Associate of Applied Science
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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.
Students who satisfactorily complete all college and program requirements qualify for an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Prior to the start of field placement hours, interviews at sites where children are present, observations, service-learning experiences, or practicums, students must:
- have a clear criminal background check
- obtain Michigan Central Registry Clearance from the Michigan Department of Human Services
- obtain a current TB test
Students who are not cleared through a criminal background check and by the Michigan Department of Human Services will not be permitted in the ECE/SPE programs. Some field placement/practicum sites may have additional requirements prior to starting an experience/practicum.
Students are expected to follow the ECE/SPE program policies, abide by the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct, follow field placement policies and conduct themselves appropriately in the presence of children, families, and professionals during field placements/practicums.
In order to receive an Early Childhood Education AAS Degree students need to obtain a grade of 2.0 or higher in ECE 135, ECE 145, and ECE 265.
Sample Schedule of Courses
First Year
Fall Semester
- ECE 100 - Foundations of Early Childhood Education Credits: 2 **
- ECE 110 - Child Development Credits: 3 **
- ECE 120 - Creative Activities Credits: 3 **
- ENG 101 - English Composition 1 Credits: 3
Humanities - Credits: 1-4
Select General Education Humanities course.
- Recommended - Any World Language
- OR COMA 103 - Fundamentals of Speech Credits: 3
- OR ENG 203 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3
Total Credits: 12-15
Winter Semester
- ECE 135 - Preschool Education with Field Experiences Credits: 5 * **
- ECE 150 - Before and After School Programming for Children Credits: 3
- ECE 170 - Curriculum, Assessment and Technology Credits: 3
- SPE 220 - Early Childhood Special Education Credits: 3
- PSYCH 153 - Human Relations Credits: 3
Total Credits: 17
Second Year
Fall Semester
- ECE 145 - Infant and Toddler Education with Field Experiences Credits: 5 * **
- ECE 180 - Child and Family Welfare Services Credits: 3
- ECE 250 - Literacy and Numerical Thinking Credits: 3
Mathematics - Select General Education Mathematics Course Credits: 3-5
- ENG 102 - English Composition 2 Credits: 3
Total Credits: 17-19
Winter Semester
- ECE 265 - Early Childhood Advanced Practical Experiences Credits: 4 *
- ECE 230 - Classroom Behavior - Understanding Social Competence Credits: 3
- ECE 280 - Emerging Educator Credits: 1
- ECE 240 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs Credits: 3
Science - Select General Education Science Course Credits: 3-5
Total Credits: 14-16
Program Total: 60-67 Credits
* In order to receive an Early Childhood Education AAS Degree students need to obtain a grade of 2.0 or higher in ECE 135, ECE 145, and ECE 265.
** If a student possesses a Child Development Associate Certification from the Council for Professional Recognition (https://www.cdacouncil.org/) in either the Preschool or Infant Toddler content area, they may be eligible to earn Prior Learning Assessment credit for ECE 100, ECE 110, ECE 120, and either ECE 135 - Preschool Education with Field Experiences or ECE 145 - Infant and Toddler Education with Field Experiences. Please consult the Program Director for more information.
Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan of study. Students planning to transfer are advised to check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides and discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.
