Early Childhood Education - AAS-T

Associate in Applied Science -- T

Credits: 91-94  |   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 your advisor for an updated list of articulations.

 

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Career Opportunities

Men and women 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 and may transfer to articulated four year college and university degree programs such as Early Childhood, Human Development and Social Services.  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

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

Students will also 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)

Ed Plan / Class List
Required Courses

All students required to complete precollege Math or English coursework must complete HDEV 101: Enhancing Student Success (3 credits) within their first two quarters of attendance.

ECED&105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the foundations of early childhood education. Students will examine theories defining the field, issues and 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
Develops knowledge and skills to ensure good health, nutrition, and safety of children in group care and education programs. Students will learn to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, responsibilities for mandated reporting, and available community resources. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&120 Practicum-Nurturing Relationship 2 Credits Search Schedule
Provides opportunities for students to apply best practice for engaging in nurturing relationships with children in an early learning setting. Practice keeping children healthy and safe while promoting growth and development. Prerequisite: None.
ECED141 Math and Science Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule
Curriculum development and methods for teaching mathematical and science concepts for children birth to age eight. Practical skills for providing developmentally appropriate math experiences. This course was formerly known as ECE 141, Math and Science for Young Children. Prerequisite: None.
ECED145 Fine Arts Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule
Teaching methods and curriculum development in art, dramatics and music for children from birth to age eight emphasizing practical skills for providing developmentally appropriate art, dramatic play, puppetry, creative movement, and dramatization experiences. Role of music in social emotional, physical, cognitive, creative and aesthetic development and practical skills for providing developmentally appropriate music experiences. Non-refundable supply fee: $20.00. This course replaces ECE 142, ECE 138 and ECE 104. 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
Design, evaluate, and improve indoor and outdoor environments which ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&180 Lang/Literacy Develop 3 Credits Search Schedule
Develop teaching 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. This course was formerly known as ECE 131 & ECE 180. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&190 Observation/Assessment 3 Credits Search Schedule
Collect and record observation of and assessment data on young children in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions and communicating findings. Prerequisite: None.
ECED205 Practicum II 3 Credits Search Schedule
Supervised observation and participation in a single ECE setting five hours per week: applying guidance techniques, planning and leading activities for individuals and small groups, and working cooperatively with staff. One and 1/2 hour seminar per week. This course was formerly known as ECE 205. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.
ECED235 Educ Yng Children in a Diverse Society:Diversity 3 Credits Search Schedule
A look at the development of multiculturalism and diversity within children and its impact on early childhood environments. Practical skills in building an anti-bias classroom. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY
ECED238 Professionalism 3 Credits Search Schedule
Understanding professional behavior and awareness of resources in the early education setting, along with reflective teaching and mentoring practices. This course was formerly known as ECE 238. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.
ECED250 Practicum III 4 Credits Search Schedule
Teaching under supervision in an ECE setting for eight hours per week. Supervising groups of children, implementing curriculum, and working as a team member with staff. Two hour seminar per week. This course was formerly known as ECE 250. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.
EDUC&115 Child Development 5 Credits Search Schedule
Build a functional understanding of the foundation of child development, prenatal to adolescence. Observe and document physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, reflective of cross cultural and global perspectives. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE
EDUC&130 Guiding Behavior 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examine the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children and creating safe learning environments. Develop skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. Requires 5 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: None.
EDUC&150 Child/Family/Community 3 Credits Search Schedule
Integrate the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explore cultures and demographics of families in society, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. This course was formerly known as EDUC 225. Prerequisite: None.

Recommended Electives

5 credits from the following list:

ECED&100 Child Care Basics 3 Credits Search Schedule
Designed to meet licensing requirements for early learning lead teachers and family home child care providers, STARS 30 hour basic course recognized in the MERIT system. Topics: child growth/development, cultural competency, community resources, guidance, health/safety/nutrition and professional practice. This course was formerly known as ECE 100. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&132 Infants/Toddlers Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care. Prerequisite: None.
ECED&139 Administrative Early Learning Program 3 Credits Search Schedule
Develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage, and assess early childhood education and care programs. Explore techniques and resources available for Washington State licensing and NAEYC standard compliance. This course was formerly known as ECE 120. Prerequisite: None.
ECED275 Current Issues in Brain Development 5 Credits Search Schedule
In depth examination of how the brain develops. Current research and trends in brain development and the applications and implications for educating or working with children and adults. EDUC& 115 (formerly EDUC 120), or PSYC& 100 (formerly PSYC 101) or PSYC& 200, (formerly PSYC 220) recommended. This course was formerly known as ECE 275. Prerequisite: None.
ECED280 Teaching Adults 2 Credits Search Schedule
Preparing and teaching workshops and courses for adults studying early childhood education. Roles of consultants and teachers, professionalism, adult learning theory, course design, groups facilitation, and performance assessment. Students must meet education and work experience requirements for Washington STARS Trainer status. This course was formerly known as ECE 280. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission required.
EDUC&136 School Age Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Develop skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, specifically: preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic /social skill development, and community outreach. *School-Age Care Professionals work with children ages 5-12 in a variety of settings including before and after school care available in family child care homes and profit or non-profit settings sponsored by community based organizations or agencies such as YMCA and YWCA, public schools, community centers and faith-based programs. In all of these programs it is the responsibility of the School-Age Professional to support the needs of individual children/youth and provide developmentally age appropriate and culturally relevant activities. This course was formerly known as ECE 132. Prerequisite: None.
EDUC&204 Exceptional Child 5 Credits Search Schedule
Approaches to caring for children who may have developmental delays, or physical, learning or behavioral disabilities. Assessment tools, resources, curriculum adaptations and impact on the family are discussed. Requires 10 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: None.
PEP141 Parent-Child Communication 2 Credits Search Schedule
A practical skill-building class for parents based on the book "How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk." We will emphasize positive communication and guidance techniques including engaging children's cooperation, interpreting emotional and behavioral development, observing by and evaluating family dynamics and implementing alternatives to punishment. Prerequisite: None.
PEP142 Family Dynamics 2 Credits Search Schedule
Family dynamic topics such as: sibling relationships, time management, family communication, individual temperaments, parents boundaries and needs, parent esteem, and dealing with stress. Prerequisite: None.
PEP143 Parenting in Single Parent, Step, and Blended Fa 2 Credits Search Schedule
The unique 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
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. Topics include the social construction of the family, race/ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, families through the lifespan, social change and family policy. 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 an art in its own right 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: MATH 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
-OR-
MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics 5 Credits Search Schedule
Covers basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or a "C" or better in MATH 096 or MATH 097 or MATH 099.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-QUANTITATIVE, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE

Humanities 
Select 10 credits from the General Education List

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 time and space. 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: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101 and MATH 097.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, NATURAL SCIENCE, LAB, AA-AAS-T-NATURAL SCIENCE

 

Effective Catalog Year 2018-2019

Application Process / How to Apply

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Additional Information

Graduation Requirements for AAS-T in ECE: 91 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 91-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: 
May 21, 2017