Early Childhood Development, Associate of Science
Program Description
The Early Childhood Education Associate of Science Degree program prepares students to work with young children from birth to kindergarten. The Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Development has been developed with the cooperation and support of Southern Oregon University (SOU). The degree is fully articulated with SOU’s Early Childhood Education program and allows students to transfer directly as juniors and be able to begin the ECE coursework at SOU with no loss of credits to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students completing the ECE Associate of Science degree will achieve Step 9 on the Oregon Registry Steps for the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Development will be able to:
- Transfer credits to baccalaureate degree programs at four year institutions. The AS ECE degree is fully accredited with Southern Oregon University’s Early Childhood Development program
- Create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments for young children based on knowledge of child development in context
- Create respectful, reciprocal family-teacher partnerships and community connections that support and empower families and involve all families in their student’s development and learning
- Develop and use effective and responsible assessment including observation, documentation and other appropriate tools in partnership with families and professional colleagues to promote positive outcomes for each child
Career Considerations
Graduates of the ECE AS transfer degree program will learn specific skills and knowledge that are imperative in working with infants, toddlers, young children, and their families in a variety of early childhood education and care settings.
This degree is built specifically for students wanting to transfer to a four year university. Course work and practical work experience emphasize knowledge of the growth and development of young children, guidance skills, and curriculum planning that supports positive social/emotional, cognitive, mental, and physical development. These skills can be applied to multiple degree paths at four year universities. Our ECE AS transfer degree program focuses on seven crucial learning outcomes to help prepare students for courses and degrees in four year universities in a variety of career choices that work with young children and their families.
Program Course Requirements
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Credits | |
| ECE 140 | Intro to Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| ECE 230 | Health Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| HDFS 225 | Child Development | 3 |
| HDFS 228 | Exceptional Child | 3 |
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ECE 101 | ECE-Sem-Prac I | 4 |
| ECE 154 | Lit and Language for Children | 3 |
| HDFS 226 | Infant-Toddler Development | 3 |
| HDFS 240 | Contemporary American Family | 3 |
| PSY 130 | Understanding Child Behavior | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ECE 102 | ECE-Sem-Prac II | 4 |
| ECE 150 | Creative Activities for Child | 3 |
| ECE 178 | Observing-Guiding Behavior | 3 |
| ECE 244 | Indiv Learning-Preschoolers | 3 |
| WR 122Z | Composition II | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| COM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| MTH 211 | Fundamentals-Elem Math I | 4 |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology I | 4 |
| SPAN 101 | First Year Spanish I 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ECE 103 | ECE-SEM-Prac III | 4 |
| ECE 240 | Lesson and Curriculum Planning | 3 |
| ECE 247 | Admin of Child-Care Centers | 3 |
| MTH 212 | Fundamentals-Elem Math II | 4 |
| SPAN 102 | First Year Spanish II 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ECE 104 | ECE-Sem-Prac IV | 4 |
| ED 258 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| HPE 295 | Wellness-Hlth Assess | 3 |
| SPAN 103 | First Year Spanish III 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Minimum Credits | 97 | |
- 1
Elective options listed are recommended by the department. See advisor for full list of electives.
Entrance Requirements
- Enrollment in Oregon Central Background Registry
- Verification of MMR vaccinations
- Food Handler’s Certificate
Contact the intended university of transfer to determine appropriate general education requirements for transfer. The UCC Associates Degree is designed to transfer seamlessly to Southern Oregon University. - Students will need to complete either ECE 140 Intro to Early Childhood Ed (3 cr.), or HDFS 225 Child Development (3 cr.) with a grade of C or higher, before beginning practicum courses