Early Childhood Education, AAS

Early Childhood Education class

The education option in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to provide individuals with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to assume various roles and responsibilities in the child care profession. The student, depending on individual interests and career objectives, may pursue a wide variety of options including child care, teaching, program administration, nanny training, family day care home management, Child Development Associate (CDA) training, infant/toddler care, school-aged care, and assistant in a child care or public/private school setting.

Additional program information

Students must be at least 19 years of age upon completion of the program to be qualified as a child care worker and 21 years of age to be a child care center director, according to Department of Children and Family Services regulations. (See other program requirements on this page.) KCC also offers a Paraprofessional Educator/Teacher's Aide program. Students should see the Early Childhood Education program coordinator to determine which program best suits their needs. This degree typically is not designed for transfer.

 

Child Development Program Requirements

Basic laboratory experience is required in many early childhood education courses within the program. Specific tasks performed in the lab setting will vary according to skills, interests, and course requirements. Prior to initiating lab assignments and projects, Early Childhood Education students must meet the requirements for staff in child care facilities as outlined by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Care Facility Regulations: (1) must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) must be able to pass a DCFS criminal background check; (3) must have a completed health form; and (4) must have a signed mandated reporter form on file. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all program requirements are current and on file with the program coordinator.

 

BSNS.C10

Outcomes

Apply child development theory to practice.

Observe, record, and assess child growth and development.

Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.

Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.

Provide a respectful, diverse, and inclusive program.

Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults.

Demonstrate professional and ethical standards.

Advocate for children, families, and the profession.

Program Requirements

Major Courses

ECED 1513Child Growth & Development

3 Credits

ECED 2163Discipline/Classroom Management

3 Credits

ECED 2223Art/Music Activities

3 Credits

ECED 2233Language Acquisition & Development

3 Credits

ECED 2243Science/Math Activities

3 Credits

ECED 2253Motor Development/Physical Activities

3 Credits

ECED 2403Clinical Experience

3 Credits

ECED 2513Child, Family & Community Relations

3 Credits

ECED 2523Intro to Early Childhood Education

3 Credits

ECED 2533Early Childhood Curriculum Development

3 Credits

ECED 2543Child Study & Observation

3 Credits

ECED 2633Health, Nutrition & Safety

3 Credits

EDUC 1833The Exceptional Learner/Child

3 Credits

Choose two

ECED 1013Foundations in Early Childhood Educ

3 Credits

ECED 1023Experiential Learning

3 Credits

ECED 2103School Aged Programming

3 Credits

ECED 2153Infant/Toddler Care

3 Credits

ECED 2263Heads Up Reading

3 Credits

ECED 2363Administration in Child Care Settings

3 Credits

EDUC 1763Technology in Education

3 Credits

Total Credit Hours:45

General education

COMM 1553Introductory Speech

3 Credits

PSYC 1813Introduction to Psychology

3 Credits

ENGL 1613English I

3 Credits

ENGL 1623English II

3 Credits

Total Credit Hours:12

Electives

Elective

3 Credits

Total Credit Hours:3

Choose one humanities, social and behavioral science, science, or mathematics course from the General education courses for Applied Science Degrees.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Suggested Course Sequence

0-15 credit hours

ECED 1513Child Growth & Development

3 Credits

ECED 2523Intro to Early Childhood Education

3 Credits

ECED 2633Health, Nutrition & Safety

3 Credits

ENGL 1613English I

3 Credits

PSYC 1813Introduction to Psychology

3 Credits

16-30 credit hours

ECED 2513Child, Family & Community Relations

3 Credits

ECED 2533Early Childhood Curriculum Development

3 Credits

ECED 2243Science/Math Activities

3 Credits

ECED 2543Child Study & Observation

3 Credits

ENGL 1623English II

3 Credits

31-45 credit hours

ECED 2163Discipline/Classroom Management

3 Credits

ECED 2223Art/Music Activities

3 Credits

ECED 2233Language Acquisition & Development

3 Credits

ECED 2253Motor Development/Physical Activities

3 Credits

EDUC 1833The Exceptional Learner/Child

3 Credits

46-60+ credit hours

ECED 2403Clinical Experience

3 Credits

COMM 1553Introductory Speech

3 Credits

Electives

6 Credits

Humanities, Social and Behavioral Science, Science, or Mathematics Course

3 Credits

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