Early Childhood Education
This program is available at the Springfield - Leffel Lane location.The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares individuals for employment in licensed child care centers, nursery schools, hospitals, group homes, children's homes, and other programs concerned with the well-being, development, and education of the infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged child. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education degree program are prepared to work with young children, helping them develop into the whole, productive persons they are meant to be.
Students receive a total of 300 clock hours of supervised experiences in approved early childhood education settings during Practicum I, and II, Curriculum & Instruction, Seminar II, and other courses with accompanying field experience requirements. These experiences provide students the opportunity to observe and complete student teaching with young children in authentic learning environments. In addition, courses provide students the opportunity to discuss their experiences and share ideas concerning curriculum planning and behavior management. All classes are web enhanced.
Explore CareersOutcomes and Curriculum
Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education, a graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of child development and learning.
- Demonstrate knowledge of effective family and community relations.
- Demonstrate ability to observe, document, and assess young children and families.
- Demonstrate teaching and learning processes.
- Exhibit professional behaviors and attitude.
- Demonstrate proficiency in general education and supportive skills.
- Practice an appreciation and respect for diversity.
Academic Requirements
A grade of C or better in all ECE and EDU courses is required for graduation. Requests to repeat technical courses more than twice must be approved by the academic dean of Health, Human, and Public Services.
Students will be billed for liability insurance for field experience courses while enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program.
Transfer Information
Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science Early Childhood Education degree program are preparing for employment upon graduation. However, many of these students are also interested in completing a bachelor's degree in education that would allow them to teach in the primary grades. Opportunities for transfer to a variety of 4-year institutions exist for students completing an A.A.S. For more information, please visit the Transfer Guides page on our website.
Accreditation
The Early Childhood Education program is an approved Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Ohio scholarship provider.
The Early Childhood Education program is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and meets all criteria for preparing individuals for pre-kindergarten associate licensure. Students who choose to obtain Pre-Kindergarten licensure must meet all guidelines listed in the Pre-Kindergarten Associate Licensure orientation packet, which is available from ECE full-time faculty. Additionally, candidates must pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators licensure exam in order to be awarded licensure following successful completion of all required coursework.
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Bridget Ingram Professor, Health Technologies