Early Childhood Education - AAS-T

Associate in Applied Science -- T

Credits: 99-101  |   Length of Program: 6 quarters

Subject: Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education - Associate in Applied Science - T

Early Childhood Education is the systematic study of the care, development and education of children from birth to age eight. Students gain the knowledge and competency necessary for a professional career working with young children. The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to transfer to four year colleges and universities. This program differs from the Early Childhood Education AAS by offering more general education courses as part of the core requirements, making it more transferable to colleges and universities. This degree will only transfer in full to the colleges and universities who choose to articulate with South Puget Sound Community College. Please see faculty in this area for an updated list of articulations.

 

 

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Career Opportunities

Graduates with an AAS-T degree can qualify for positions as preschool teacher, child care director, child care program supervisor, child care provider, non-certified early childhood teacher, or elementary school classroom aide/paraeducator and may transfer to articulated four year college and university degree programs such as Early Childhood, Human Development and Social Services. This degree transfers to BAS programs in teacher education for those that want to earn a teaching certificate and teach in the K-12 classrooms. These BAS programs are especially designed to give students an endorsement in Early Childhood along with their primary certificate making them highly qualified to teach in Preschool through third grade classrooms. See ECE Faculty for more information. Graduates may be employed by child care centers, cooperative preschools, family child care homes, parks and recreation departments, private preschools, public schools and state and federally funded preschools. See Society, Services & Education » Early Childhood Education for more career and employment information.

Program Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation (www.naeyc.org) and the Washington State Department of Early Learning Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals (www.del.wa.gov)

 

Length of Program

The Early Childhood Education AAS-T degree can be completed in three years attending evenings only or in two years with a combination of day and evening courses. The majority of ECED and EDUC courses meet in the evening. Practicums (ECED& 120, ECED 205 and ECED 250) require daytime hours.

Application Process / How to Apply

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Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion for the Early Childhood Education Program, the successful student will be able to:

  • Critically thinking in order to analyze, evaluate and solve problems using multiple methodologies
  • Having multicultural awareness thru exhibiting an understanding of the ways economic, political, social, and culture factors impact identity and interactions
  • Computation through identification, understanding and communicating the differences between quantitative and qualitative date and be able to explain results
  • Demonstrating ethics through identifying complex ethical issues and recognizing and evaluating interrelationships of related issues
  • Communicating effectively through written and verbal communications skills
Ed Plan / Class List
Required Courses

CCS101 Pathways to Success 3 Credits Search Schedule
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 090 or higher.

ECED&105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 5 Credits Search Schedule
Explores the foundations of early childhood education. Examines theories defining the field, issues, trends, best practices, and program models. Observes children, professionals and programs in action. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE
ECED&107 Health/Safety/Nutrition 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces implementation of equitable health, safety, and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care. Focuses on federal Child Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) requirements, WA State licensing, and Head Start Performance standards. Emphasizes skills necessary to keep children healthy and safe, to report abuse and neglect, and to connect families to community resources. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&120 Practicum-Nurturing Relationship 2 Credits Search Schedule
Engages in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers in an early learning setting. Focuses on children's health and safety, promoting growth and development, and creating a culturally responsive environment. 30 hours in ECE setting required. Prerequisite: None.
ECED141 Math and Science Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the process of curriculum construction for teaching mathematical and science concepts for children from birth to age eight. Includes theory and practical skills for providing developmentally appropriate math and science experiences. Prerequisite: None.
ECED145 Fine Arts Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces teaching methods and curriculum development for children from birth to age eight in art, drama, and music. Explores the role of fine arts curriculum in social emotional, physical, cognitive, creative, and aesthetic development. Nonrefundable supply fee: $20.00. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&160 Curriculum Development 5 Credits Search Schedule
Investigate learning theory, program planning, and tools for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in young children (birth-age 8). Requires 10 hours of observation time outside of class hours. This course was formerly known as ECE 240. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&170 Environments-Young Child 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examines the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&180 Lang/Literacy Develop 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&190 Observation/Assessment 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces how to collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Uses reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings. Requires 8 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: None.
ECED205 Practicum II 3 Credits Search Schedule
Provides students the opportunity to practice guidance techniques, powerful interactions with children, and working cooperatively with staff. Students participate in 60 hours of supervised observation in a single early childhood education (ECE) setting. 1 hour seminar per week. Prerequisite: ECED& 120, EDUC& 115 and EDUC& 130.
ECED238 Professionalism 3 Credits Search Schedule
Explores professional behavior and resources in early childhood education. Students will also learn reflective teaching and mentoring practices. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.
ECED250 Practicum III 4 Credits Search Schedule
Explores techniques in supervising groups of children and working as a staff member. Students will also apply skills by teaching under supervision in an early childhood education (ECE) setting for 75 hours per week. Prerequisite: ECED 205.
EDUC&115 Child Development 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the foundation for explaining how children develop in all domains, conception through early adolescence. Explores various developmental theories, methods for documenting growth, and impact of brain development. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE
EDUC&130 Guiding Behavior 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examines the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children. Introduces creating safe learning environments, developing skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. Prerequisite: None.
EDUC&150 Child/Family/Community 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examines how teachers integrate into education programs the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explores cultures and demographics of families, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. Prerequisite: None.
EDUC&204 Inclusive Education 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces recognition and identification of exceptionality in children from birth through high school. Explores policies and regulations concerning state and federal provisions of special education and related services, as well as adaptations for serving students with special needs in general education classrooms. Requires 10 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
EDUC240 Diversity in Education: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Explores diversity and social justice issues influencing educational settings. Students will examine in depth the historical and current impact of children's, teachers', and families' cultural, social, and political context in schools. Was formerly known as ECED 235, Educating Young Children in a Diverse Society: Diversity. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: DIVERSITY

Recommended Electives

3-5 credits from the following list:

ECED&100 Child Care Basics 3 Credits Search Schedule
Prepares students to meet licensing requirements for early learning lead teachers and family home child care providers, STARS 30 hour basics course recognized in the MERIT system. Emphasizes child growth/development, cultural responsiveness, community resources, guidance, health/safety/nutrition and professional practices. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&132 Infants/Toddlers Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examines the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Covers the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally retentive care. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&134 Family Child Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Prepares students to manage a family childcare program. Examines requirements in licensing, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&138 Home Visiting and Family Engagement 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces how to plan and provide home visits and group activities, promote secure parent-child relationships, and support families to provide high-quality early learning opportunities embedded in everyday routines and experiences. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&139 Administrative Early Learning Program 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces administrative skills required to develop, operate, manage and improve early childhood education and care programs. Introduces basic business management skills, and how to build resources and supports for meeting Washington State licensing and professional NAEYC standards. Prerequisite: None.
ECED275 Current Issues in Brain Development 5 Credits Search Schedule
Examines how the brain develops, research and reports on current research and trends in brain development and the applications and implications for educating or working with children and adults. Prerequisite: None.
EDUC&136 School Age Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities/care for children ages 5-12 in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: None.
PEP141 Parent-Child Communication 2 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces practical skills and tools for parent-child communication. Students will learn positive guidance techniques, how to interpret emotional and behavioral development, and the significance of observing family dynamics. Prerequisite: None.
PEP142 Family Dynamics 2 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces family dynamic topics such as sibling relationships, time management, family communication individual temperaments, parents' boundaries and needs, parent esteem, and family stress. Prerequisite: None.
PEP143 Parenting in Single Parent, Step, and Blended Fa 2 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces dynamics, challenges, and skills of parenting in single parent, step, and blended families. Prerequisite: None.
SOC225 Sociology of the Family: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Focuses on a sociological approach to the social institution of the family including historical, multi-cultural and contemporary theoretical perspectives. Examines the micro (interpersonal) and macro (societal) approaches in studying the family. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

Other courses may be considered as elective credits. Contact your advisor for approval.  Up to 5 credits from credit bearing community based training, parent education, or individual Building Bridges modules may be used toward elective credits with advisor approval.

General Education Requirements

Communication:

ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops writing skills by focusing on strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas, evaluate information, make a point, and participate in multiple discourse communities. Emphasizes both the process and the product of writing. This course was formerly known as WRIT 101, College Writing I. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test scores OR appropriate completion of ENGL 095, ENGL 095X, or ENGL 098 OR concurrent enrollment in ENGL 110 with instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING
ENGL&102 Composition II 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops reading, writing and critical thinking skills at the advanced level. Teaches how to write academic papers by conducting research; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; documenting sources and using appropriate writing conventions. Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL& 101 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION

Computation

MATH&107 Math in Society 5 Credits Search Schedule
Explores a variety of mathematical topics presenting mathematics as a form of art and as a tool for understanding the world around us. Designed for non-science majors. Specific topics may be drawn from geometry, number theory, set theory, and the history of mathematics. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of MATH 095 with a "C" or better or appropriate placement.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE
-OR-
MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics 5 Credits Search Schedule
Covers basic probability, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of MATH 095 and 096 with a "C" or better or appropriate placement.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE

Humanities 

10 Credits in HUMANITIES

Natural Sciences

EARTH106 The Earth in Time and Space 5 Credits Search Schedule
Integrates major elements of astronomy, oceanography, and geology in describing the place of the Earth in space and time. This lecture-demonstration course is intended for non-science AA degree candidates and is particularly appropriate for students planning to transfer in elementary education. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, LAB, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE
Or Other lab class from the General Education List

 

Diversity Requirement 
Diversity-designated courses at South Puget Sound Community College provide opportunities for students to develop awareness of their own social and cultural identities, seek understanding of others, and cultivate skills to communicate across cultures and differences. All programs require the completion of a diversity course.

 

Effective Catalog Year 2020-2021

Additional Information

Graduation Requirements for AAS-T in ECE: 94 credits in courses numbered 100 or above from ECED/EDUC course offerings and the General Education requirements available in Building 22 or at spscc.edu/start.

State Stackable State Certificate Requirements
Prerequisite for Short Certificate of Specialization:  Completed Initial Certificate
Prerequisite for State Early Childhood Education Certificate:  Completed Initial Certificate and Short Certificate of Specialization

Electives
If any of the required courses have been waived, select courses with the assistance of an advisor to complete the 94-credit minimum requirement.

Program Information
The Early Childhood Education AAS-T degree can be completed in three years attending evenings only or in two years with a combination of day and evening courses.  The majority of ECED and EDUC courses meet in the evening.  Practicums (ECED& 120, ECED 205 and ECED 250) require daytime hours.  Many ECED and EDUC courses require observation hours in addition to class time.  See course outlines for details.  Students can enter the program any quarter but are strongly encouraged to start with the Initial State Certificate and meet with an ECE advisor for detailed information necessary for planning their degree.  Contact (360) 596-5378 for advising day information.

  1. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should work closely with an advisor to ensure maximum transfer of credits.
  2. ECED& 107 requires CPR/First Aid and a Food Handlers Cards be obtained while taking this class.
  3. To successfully complete the practicum experiences in ECED& 120, ECED 205 and ECED 250, students will volunteer in a Head Start, school or child care center which will require a Department of Early Learning portable background check and  requires a tuberculosis test.
  4. ECED/EDUC courses may be taken in any order, except ECED 205, ECED 250 and ECED 238. It is recommended but not necessary to take ECED& 105 first.  It is recommended but not necessary to get the ECE stackable certificates while obtaining your ECE degree. 
  5. “C” or better must be obtained in all courses with an EDUC or ECED prefix to apply to the ECE degree or certificate.
  6. It is possible to receive up to 12 credits toward the degree for students having a Child Development Associate (C.D.A.) credential.  See advisor for details.
  7. An alternative pathway is the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree which can be used as an upside down pathway to enter The Evergreen State College.
Revision Date: 
March 17, 2020