Early Childhood Education, A.S.

The field of early care and education is a dynamic and growing area of study for students who seek to work with young children up to age eight. Students who earn an AS degree in Early Childhood Education will play a pivotal role in the lives of children, families and their local community. All students who complete this degree will achieve competency in promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, implementing developmentally appropriate curricula while learning about child assessment systems, teaching in a diverse society, and becoming lifelong learners.

Career opportunities in the early childhood education and child development fields are many and varied. Programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children and their parents continue to increase in number. Potential careers include: early childhood teacher/administrator, child care provider, playground program specialist, social worker, consultant, play therapist/activity specialist or teacher for hospitalized children, elementary school teacher, designer of children's products, legislative analyst/aide, and human services lobbyist. Opportunities are dependent upon the amount of education and experience acquired.