Early Childhood Development, Associate of Applied Science
The A.A.S. degree prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in the child care field. A.A.S. degree holders may pursue careers as program directors, senior staff teachers and assistants for quality child care centers and preschools.
Program objectives
Upon successful completion of this degree option, students will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of how children learn and develop by analyzing instructional practices and student behaviors during an observation in an authentic setting;
- provide learning opportunities that support a child's intellectual, social, and personal development by creating instructional activities that are developmentally appropriate;
- understand diversity and its connection to learning by analyzing hypothetical scenarios;
- use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation by analyzing instructional practices and student behaviors during an observation in an authentic setting;
- understand how to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom using verbal, non-verbal, and technological communication techniques by creating a lesson plan using the Common Core Curriculum Frameworks;
- be reflective and continually evaluate the effects of his or her choices and actions on self and others by completion of their Individual Development Plan; and,
- understand the importance of fostering relationships with colleagues, families, and the larger community by utilizing technology to identify school-and community-based resources that support parents and families.
