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Early Childhood Education

Invest in yourself and help prepare the next generation of students by earning an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education.

This 60-credit hour program is designed primarily for preschool workers and P-4 teaching assistants or paraprofessionals who are not seeking admission into a teacher licensure program. Coursework is designed to address the birth-to-age-5 population.  
 
Additionally, students who are successful in completing this degree will meet the educational component of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Birth Through Pre-kindergarten Teaching Credential awarded by the Division of Childcare and Early Childhood Education. 

Earning your associate degree in early childhood education will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare students for academic success. You'll be able to pursue careers as an assistant preschool teacher, childcare worker, or teacher's assistant. Some of the courses within this curriculum will transfer into a bachelor's degree program for those who later wish to continue their education. According to the  the annual median wage for preschool teachers in 2023 was $37,130.

Format

100% Online

Credit Hours

60

Degree Plan

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Related Degree

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (NL)
This 120-credit hour, non-licensure, program is designed for preschool workers and P-4 teaching assistants. This program includes more than 30-credit hours in ECE specific coursework which makes it a great choice for lead teachers in Head Start and private centers. You will also be eligible to earn your first-time license in Early Childhood Pre-K through the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Department of Higher Education's Early Childhood PreK Teacher Academy.

Related Certificates

This 26-credit hour program delivers a curriculum specifically designed to address pre-school and early childhood education. Courses include Child Guidance, Preschool Curriculum, and Infant Toddler Curriculum.


This 13-credit hour program delivers a foundational curriculum designed to address preschool and early childhood education. Courses include Foundations of Early Childhood Education, Child Growth and Development, Future Perspectives in Early Childhood, and First Aid.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Use individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques to form positive and healthy relationships with children, encourage positive social interaction among children, promote positive strategies of conflict resolution, and develop self-control and self-esteem.
  • Develop plans for appropriate early childhood environments that align to the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ early learning standards, which foster independence, individuality, and self-regulation of learning and behavior.
  • Use evidence-based literacy strategies based on the Science of Reading to develop a variety of activities for children birth through pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in working with diverse populations of students, families, and community groups.

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