Early Childhood Education

69-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code 10-307-1

Learning that happens in early childhood settings provides children with a strong educational foundation. In this program, gain an understanding of the principles of early childhood education and learn to facilitate young children’s learning and development through class work and practical experience. Explore child development, child behavior, developmentally appropriate practices and strategies for working with parents.

How Long It Will Take

Depending on course load, full-time students could complete this program in two years.

Start Date

You can begin the traditional track in the fall or spring semester. You can begin the Blended Options track only in the fall semester.

How This Program Is Offered

The traditional track is offered on campus in a classroom/lab setting.

The Blended Options track is offered in an accelerated format. The Blended Options courses are organized into short, manageable segments (e.g. one class meeting each week for six or eight weeks) that meet during evening hours.

 What Makes This Program Unique

• This program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which is the gold standard in national accrediting bodies for early care and education facilities.
• The Child Development Center and Early Learning Lab, where ECE students strengthen classroom concepts through practice, is also accredited by the NAEYC.
• Involvement in the Education Club enhances your learning while developing leadership and service skills.
• This program is offered in a Blended Options (as well as traditional) format to allow early childhood professionals working in the industry to maximize their professional experience and accelerate their completion of the program.

Courses You'll Take

For the courses you’ll take, semester sequence, pathways and course descriptions, view the program catalog page.

This program includes general-education courses as well as introductory and advanced technology core courses. You may also have the opportunity to obtain credit for prior learning.