Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
2015-2016 Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education


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The A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education prepares students for employment in the field of child care and early education.  The program includes theoretical and practical components, preparing early education professionals to work effectively with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary age children birth through age eight.

Graduates of the program should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning of young children from diverse backgrounds;
  • Build family and community relationships;
  • Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families;
  • Design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children; and
  • Identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession.

Graduates may be employed in child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, before and after school programs, pre-k programs, and preschools. The curriculum also includes the necessary course work for application for a Child Development Associate credential (CDA).

The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the NAEYC Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation.

This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

NOTE: Select courses are transferable to four-year colleges and universities with similar programs. To become licensed as a teacher in public schools in Tennessee, students must complete a four-year degree in teacher education and obtain state licensure. Students who are planning a career as a licensed pre-K-3rd grade teacher should consult with an Early Childhood Education Advisor before planning their program of study.

Degree: Associate of Applied Science

Emphasis: Early Childhood Education


This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.


 

Recommended Full-Time Schedule


The following Recommended Full-Time Schedule is not a substitute for academic advising. You must meet with an academic advisor each semester to be cleared for registration. Consult with your advisor about scheduling and degree requirements. Also, see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.ws.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Requirements are continually under revision, and there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked. Contact the academic division or department for current information.

Factors that affect your progression include required Learning Support courses, completion of computer competency and your choices regarding campus location, course delivery method, and the days and times selected to take classes.

*These courses meet the educational requirements for National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing.

1General Education electives in each category must be chosen from approved courses listed in the General Education Program .

2Students can use any WSCC transferable course for a general elective. Transferable courses are designated with this symbol ♦ in the course descriptions section of the catalog.

Notes:

• Walters State students are required to meet computer competency during the first 30 hours of coursework. Students must take INFS 1010, BUSN 1360 or AGRM 2630/2631 or successfully complete a Computer Competency Exam. The Computer Competency exam does not provide course credit. Consult your advisor. See www.ws.edu/academics/technical-ed/computer-competency/ for additional information.

•Learning Support courses must be taken every semester until completed.

First Year


Fall Term (15 semester credit hours)


Spring Term (15 semester credit hours)


Second Year


Fall Term (15 semester credit hours)


Spring Term (16 semester credit hours)


Program Degree Requirements


General Education Requirements (16 hours)


Humanities and/or Fine Arts


Approved Humanities General Education elective1 3 credits

Behavioral/Social Sciences


Approved Behavioral/Social Science General Education elective1 3 credits

Mathematics


Approved Mathematics General Education elective1 3 credits

Natural Science


Approved Natural Science w/Lab General Education elective1 4 credits

Total Credit Hours 61


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