The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth to 3rd grade in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.
The AAS non-transfer track is designed for students who would like to directly enter the workforce upon graduation and do not want to pursue a baccalaureate (bachelor) degree.
Course work includes child growth and development, physical/nutritional needs of children, care and guidance of children, and communication skills with other early childhood related professionals, parents/families and children. Students will foster the cognitive/ language, physical/motor, social/ emotional, and creative development of young children.
Graduates are prepared and facilitate a safe, healthy and nurturing environment and curriculum which reflects the diversity of students and families in the setting. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, home visiting setting, public and private schools, hospital settings, camp and recreational centers, developmental day settings, Head Start Programs, and school age programs.
Note: Students qualify for NC Early Childhood credential and NC Early Childhood Administration Credentials.
* Students must complete the required qualifications one semester prior to Capstone Practicum and attend Capstone Student orientation before beginning practicum. Students should meet with Instructor and/or Department Head during advising.
Academic Plan
First Year
Fall Semester
| EDU 119 | Introduction to Early Childhood, Education | 4 |
| EDU 144 | Child Development I | 3 |
| EDU 153 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1 |
| Select one specialty area course from either List A or B below | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Note: Students qualify for NC Early Childhood credential and NC Early Childhood Administration Credential
Spring Semester
| EDU 145 | Child Development II | 3 |
| EDU 146 | Child Guidance | 3 |
| EDU 151 | Creative Activities | 3 |
| EDU 131 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Select one specialty area course from either List A or B below | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| EDU 221 | Children With Exceptionalities | 3 |
| EDU 234 | Infants, Toddlers, and Twos | 3 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 |
| EDU 214 | Early Childhood Intermediate Practicum | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
EDU 214: Students must complete the required qualifications one semester prior to Capstone Practicum and attend Capstone Student orientation before beginning practicum. Students should meet with Instructor and/or Department Head during advising.
Spring Semester
| EDU 284 | Early Childhood Capstone Practicum | 4 |
| EDU 280 | Language and Literacy Experiences | 3 |
| EDU 288 | Advanced Issues in Early Childhood, Education | 2 |
Humanities
| Choose from the humanities list below | 3 |
Elective
| Choose from the elective list below | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
EDU 284: Students must complete the required qualifications one semester prior to Capstone Practicum and attend Capstone Student orientation before beginning practicum. Students should meet with Instructor and/or Department Head during advising.
Total Credit Hours: 66
Requirements
Humanities Electives (at least 3 credit hours required)
Specialty Area (Select List A or List B)
(Select 6 credits from List A or 6 credits from List B)
List A (6 credits required)
| EDU 261 | Early Childhood Administration I | 3 |
| EDU 262 | Early Childhood Administration II | 3 |
List B (6 credits required)