Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plans (MAPs) are designed by faculty and displayed in a semester format showing the fastest path to finishing your certificate or degree. While this is the ideal, you can take courses as your schedule permits. Contact an academic advisor regarding your scheduling needs.

In most cases, the courses you need are available on your selected campus. However, there may be times to complete courses online or travel to another FRCC campus. Location availability is indicated at the time of registration.

My Academic Plan

Program Description

Interested in a career working with children in a child care center? Consider our Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

This two-year, 60 credit A.A.S. degree provides training for a career involving the care and education of young children from birth through age eight. Courses in theory and internship are combined to provide a comprehensive base of growth and development. Early intervention, high-risk, gifted, and developmentally delayed issues are included. As part of this degree, you will earn two certificates - Foundations of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Director. The program meets or exceeds all Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Office of Early Childhood licensing requirements.

AAS in Early Childhood Education degree

Career Opportunities

Open or manage a child-care center, or teach preschool.

Become a paraeducator or director of a child-care facility.

First Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you are enrolling in ECE 102, ECE 112, ECE 188, and ECE 288, must pass a criminal background check before you are allowed to start your practicum hours with children. Contact your home campus ECE Program Director if you are enrolling in an on-campus section of a practicum course or the FRCC - ECE Online Lead if you are enrolling in an online section of a practicum course for information on how to complete the background check process.

ECE 101	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 238	ECE Child Growth and Development	3
ECE 102	Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques	3
ECE 103	Guidance Strategies for Young Children	3
ECE 220	ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Second Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.

ECE 205	ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety	3
ECE 240	Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs	3
ECE 256	Working with Parents, Families, and Community Systems	3
ENG- GEN	English:___________	3
PSY 101	General Psychology I	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Third Semester

ECE 111	Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice	3
ECE 260	The Exceptional Child	3
ECE 241	Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education	3
ECE 188	Practicum	4
LIT 255	Children's Literature	3
Total Credit Hours:		16

Fourth Semester