Early Childhood Education Technology Degree
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with children from infancy through age eight in a variety of early childhood settings. The curriculum has a core of 34 credit hours directly related to early childhood education. The curriculum is designed so that it can be completed within four semesters, but it can be extended over a longer time. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.
The Early Childhood Education Technology AAS degree at Montgomery College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, naeyc.orgnew window. The accreditation term runs from Fall 2014 through Fall 2021. Learn more about our accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning and apply the theories and principles to his or her classroom teaching.
- Identify the issues, trends, and historical events in the field of early childhood education.
- Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way to positively influence children's learning and development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of supporting and empowering families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
- Demonstrate understanding of content areas and apply developmentally appropriate approaches to enhance children's learning and development.
- Create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments to promote children's learning and development.
- Design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curricula to promote positive outcomes for all young children.
- Be reflective practitioners to reflect and use the most effective methods of guidance and teaching when working with children.
- Identify and conduct themselves as early childhood professionals who use ethical guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young Children standards related to early childhood practice and who are advocates for sound educational practices and policies.
- Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which will allow them to effectively make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all education transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include elementary school teacher, grades pre-K through 3rd grade, educational diagnostician, rehabilitation counselor, education administrator, guidance counselor, family counselor, childcare director, and childcare teacher.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- EDUC 119 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 semester hours
- PSYC 100 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Second Semester
- ENGL 102 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research 3 semester hours
- EDUC 115 - Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3 semester hours
- EDUC 135 - Child Growth and Development 3 semester hours
- EDUC 153 - Infant and Toddler Development and Curriculum Planning 3 semester hours
-
OR
- EDUC 154 - School-Age Child Care 3 semester hours
- Any General Education Arts Distribution Course 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD) ***
Third Semester
- EDUC 136 - Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 170 - First Start: Care of Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities 3 semester hours
-
OR
- EDUC 201 - Introduction to Special Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 224 - Social-Emotional Development in Young Children 3 semester hours
- EDUC 227 - Administering Early Childhood Programs 3 semester hours
- Any General Education Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution Course 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Fourth Semester
- EDUC 180 - Children's Literature 3 semester hours
-
OR
- EDUC 243 - Processes and Acquisition of Literacy 3 semester hours
- EDUC 208 - Observation and Assessment of Young Children 3 semester hours
- EDUC 233 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education 3 semester hours
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD) **
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102, or elective.
** BIOL 101 or PSCI 101 or PSCI 102 recommended.
*** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course. ISTD 173 is recommended.
This program can be completed either on campus or online.
NAEYC Accreditation
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs system sets the professional preparation standards for early childhood degree programs that prepare teachers at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree levels. Review the 2010 NAEYC Standards for Initial Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs.
Montgomery College (MC) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 2007. Our ECE AAS degree received reaccreditation in 2014. MC ECE is the only one that maintains NAEYC reaccreditation status in the State of Maryland. By earning this distinctive and rigorous mark of accreditation, MC ECE program has elevated the profession and the quality of education in our local communities.
We submit our annual reports to maintain our accreditation status and to improve our program for excellence.r
As part of the program’s maintaining NAEYC accreditation, we are required to report ECE program data annually.
- ECE Program Outcome Data 2021 (PDF,
) - ECE Program Outcome Data 2019 (PDF, )
- ECE Program Outcome Data 2018 (PDF, )
Related Programs and Courses
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Find more information on WDCE courses on promoting literacy and numeracy concepts with young children, meeting the educational requirements for operating a family and center-based child care facility, earning clock hours and CEUs for training and licensing requirements, and preparing for applying for a CDA credential.