2024-2025 Catalog

Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your degree and should be completed in the order listed. If you are unable to complete all courses listed in a semester, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Academic Advisor.

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

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 1021English Composition I: GT-CO1

3

PSY 1001General Psychology I: GT-SS3

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Semester Note: Upon completion of ECE 1011 and ECE 1031, you should apply for the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certificate.

Second Semester

ECE 1045 or ECE 1045 en español Intro to ECE Techniques (ECE 1045) or Introducción a las Técnicas de ECE (ECE 1045 en español)

3

ECE 2621 or ECE 2621 en español Curriculum Methods/Techniques (ECE 2621) or Métodos/Técnicas Curriculares (ECE 2621 en español)

3

ECE 2101Working w/Families & Communities

3

LIT 2055Children's Literature: GT-AH2

3

MATH Career Mathematics (MAT 1140) or Higher

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Semester Note: Upon completion of ECE 1011, ECE 1031, ECE 2381, ECE 1045, ECE 2621, and ECE 2101, you should apply for the Early Childhood Teacher Education Certificate.

Third Semester

ECE 1111Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice

3

ECE 2051ECE Nutrition, Health and Safety

3

ECE 2401Admin of ECE Programs

3

ECE 2411Admin: Human Relations ECE

3

ECE 1088Practicum: ECE

4

Total Credit Hours:16

Fourth Semester

ECE 2601The Exceptional Child

3

ECE 2088Practicum: Early Childhood Education

4

ECE 2089Capstone

1

HIS 1210 or HIS 1220 US History to Reconst. (1210) or US History Since Civil War (1220)

3

ELECTIVE Any Early Childhood Education (ECE) Course

3

Total Credit Hours:14
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.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Important Program Notes:

If you are enrolling in ECE 1045, ECE 1125, ECE 1088, and ECE 2088, you must pass a criminal background check before you are allowed to start your practicum hours with childrenContact 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.

You must complete a minimum of 60 credits to complete this degree. If receiving financial aid, you should only take courses and credits as required for this degree. Check with your advisor to monitor your completion progress.