Early Childhood Education - Associate of Applied Science Degree
This program provides training for those who want to pursue 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. The program meets or exceeds all Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood education requirements. Those working with very young children need to be in good health and able to lift and carry young children comfortably.
Requirements
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required courses applied to a certificate or degree.
Assessment testing is required for all students. Students who place into CCR 093 or above and MAT 050 or above may begin coursework for the Early Childhood Education AAS and AA degrees. Students who place into CCR 093 or above may begin coursework for the Early Childhood Education Certificates. Students scoring below this level should consult with a Faculty Member before registering for courses in this program of study.
Students enrolling in ECE 102, ECE 112, ECE 188, and ECE 288 must pass a criminal background check before they are allowed to start their 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.
Required Courses
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 102 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques | 3 |
| ECE 103 | Guidance Strategies for Young Children | 3 |
| ECE 111 | Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ECE 188 | Practicum | 4 |
| ECE 205 | ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety | 3 |
| ECE 220 | ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques | 3 |
| ECE 238 | ECE Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 240 | Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs | 3 |
| ECE 241 | Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 256 | Working with Parents, Families, and Community Systems | 3 |
| ECE 260 | The Exceptional Child | 3 |
| ECE 288 | Practicum: Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| ECE 289 | Capstone | 1 |
| ECE Electives (3) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
General Education Courses
| ENG 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or | |
| ENG 122 | English Composition II | 3 |
| | |
| MAT 107 | Career Mathematics | 3 |
| or higher | |
| HIS 121 | U.S. History to Reconstruction | 3 |
| LIT 255 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
MAT 107 or higher, students also completing the AA for transfer should take MAT 120 for 4 credits.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Colorado Child Care Licensing Requirements
Many positions in Colorado early childhood programs require employees to meet, at minimum, the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood requirements for Early Childhood Teacher (ECT). ECT and Director qualified requirements include a combination of verifiable experience and post-secondary education. Please contact the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood at 303-866-4091 or email cdhs_oec_ectq@state.co.us to determine which requirements you need.
Contact an ECE Faculty Advisor for additional information concerning the course requirements.