Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete a two-year AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education and enter the workforce. Students explore all facets of early childhood education techniques and strategies, child care, growth and development. This AAS 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, students will earn three certificates - Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, and Early Childhood Director. The program meets or exceeds all Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requirements.
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
1. Identify, describe and apply research-based principles of child growth, development and learning
2. Use effective, ethical, authentic observation, documentation and assessment practices
3. Describe how to build strong family and community relationships
4. Identify, describe and apply effective and developmentally appropriate approaches to guidance
5. Explain the importance of health, safety and nutrition for the development of each child
6. Identify and cultivate ethical practices related to professional development and leadership for the field
7. Develop and demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for planning, administering and improving early childhood programs
8. Describe and employ effective and appropriate teaching practices
9. Successfully complete effective field experiences that reinforce the program curriculum
10. Demonstrate responsiveness to diverse populations, regardless of ability, race, place, income, language, culture, religion, and gender
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AA degree in 4 semesters (2 years). For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
First Semester
| ECE 1011 or ECE 1011 en español | Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 1011) or Introducción a la Educación Infantil Temprana (ECE 1011 en español) | 3 |
| ECE 1031 or ECE 1031 en español | Guidance Strategies for Young Children (ECE 1031) or Estrategias de orientación para niños pequeños (ECE 1031 en español) | 3 |
| ECE 2381 or ECE 2381 en español | ECE Child Growth and Development (ECE 2381) or Crecimiento y Desarrollo Infantil de la ECE (ECE 2381 en español) | 3 |
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| PSY 1001 | General Psychology I: GT-SS3 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Semester Note: Upon completion of
ECE 1011,
ECE 1031,
ECE 2381,
ECE 1045,
ECE 2621,
ECE 1111,
ECE 2051,
ECE 2401,
ECE 2411, and
ECE 2601, you
should apply for the
Early Childhood Director Certificate.
My Academic Plan: Part-Time
Courses are displayed in a part-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your AA degree within 8 semesters (3 years). This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| ECE 1011 or ECE 1011 en español | Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 1011) or Introducción a la Educación Infantil Temprana (ECE 1011 en español) | 3 |
| ECE 1031 or ECE 1031 en español | Guidance Strategies for Young Children (ECE 1031) or Estrategias de orientación para niños pequeños (ECE 1031 en español) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Spring Semester 2
Summer Semester 3
| HIS 1210 or HIS 1220 | US History to Reconst. (HIS 1210) or US History Since Civil War (HIS 1220) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 4
Spring Semester 5
Summer Semester 6
| LIT 2055 | Children's Literature: GT-AH2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 7
Semester Note: Upon completion of
ECE 1011,
ECE 1031,
ECE 2381,
ECE 1045,
ECE 2621,
ECE 1111,
ECE 2051,
ECE 2401,
ECE 2411, and
ECE 2601, you
should apply for the
Early Childhood Director Certificate.
Spring Semester 8