Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care and Education
EC63
Program Purpose: The Early Childhood Care and Education associate of applied science degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application, as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science degree and have the qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates will receive a specialization in one of three areas: Exceptionalities, Infant/ Toddler, or Program Administration.
All ECCE courses have to be completed with a grade of C or better in order to graduate from any ECCE program.
Degree Requirements
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE
Required Minimum: 15 Semester Credit Hours
General Education Core Area I: Language Arts/Communication - 3 Credit Hours
Successful completion of ENGL 1101 Composition and Rhetoric is required
General Education Core Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts - 3 Credit Hours
(Choose One of the Following)
General Education Core Additional Requirements - 3 Credit Hours
To meet the minimum required 15 semester credit hours in General Core courses an additional 3 semester credit hours must be selected from a course in Area I, Area II, Area III, or Area IV. Science courses in BIOL, CHEM, and PHYS may also satisfy this requirement.
Occupational Courses
| ECCE 1101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education | 3 |
| ECCE 1103 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECCE 1105 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| ECCE 1121 | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum | 3 |
| ECCE 1112 | Curriculum and Assessment | 3 |
| ECCE 1113 | Creative Activities for Children | 3 |
| ECCE 2115 | Language and Literacy | 3 |
| ECCE 2116 | Math and Science | 3 |
| ECCE 2201 | Exceptionalities | 3 |
| ECCE 2202 | Social Issues and Family Involvement | 3 |
| ECCE 2203 | Guidance Classroom Management | 3 |
| ECCE 2245 | Early Childhood Care and Education Internship | 6 |
| or | |
| Guided Electives - Areas I-IV and program options listed below | 6 |
Guided Electives
Complete One of the Following Specializations:
Program Administration Specialization
Infant/Toddler Development Specialization
Exceptionalities Specialization
| ECCE 2380 | Inclusive Classroom Strategies | 3 |
| ECCE 2382 | Exploring Your Role in an Inclusive Environment | 3 |
Multicultural and Anti-Bias Curriculum Specialization
| ECCE 2390 | Multicultural Education for Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECCE 2392 | Anti-Bias Education for Early Childhood | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Criminal record check required for the following classes: ECCE 1112, ECCE 1121, and ECCE 2245