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.
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.
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