Early Childhood Education

  • Maximum class size: 20
  • Student to teacher ratio: 20:1
  • Enrollment points: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Entire program is available fully online, but students may take first year courses face-to-face
  • AAS and AAST degree seeking students are encouraged to complete State ECE CoC before taking second-year courses
  • This program offers a combinations of hands-on, hybrid, and online courses. See course descriptions for more information.
  • Negative Mantoux TB test in the 12 months prior to 1st day of class
  • ECE students must be able to pass a background check, fingerprints, First Aid/CPR course, get TB, measles and COVID vaccinations.

Students prepare for careers in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for such positions as Early Learning Program teacher, assistant teacher, program supervisor, and/or center director. The ECE curriculum prepares students to work with children birth to 8 years of age in diverse early childhood environments. The curriculum is based on the national standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the national accreditation standards. Early Childhood students will combine learned theories and practical laboratory experiences with young children in early childhood education programs under supervision with qualified educators.

For program costs and fees refer to the catalog TUITION AND FEES PAGE

Program Learning Outcomes
  • Create/design, implement and assess meaningful, culturally linguistic and ability diverse learning experiences
  • Use specialized knowledge of child development and of individual children to create developmentally appropriate intentional and challenging learning environments
  • Skillfully observe, document and assess all children's development and learning in collaboration with families
  • Build positive relationships and guide all children with reflective, thoughtful interactions
  • Build culturally inclusive and respectful partnerships with children's families and their communities
  • Engage in professional behavior, following the NAEYC Code of Ethics and utilize community resources
  • Recognize the obligation to lifelong learning and continued professional development
CIP Code
13.1210

Degrees