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Academics
Early Childhood Education

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. 

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Outcomes 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.
Course Title Credits
Fall
FYE 1101 College Success 1
ENG 1111 English I 3
ECE 1100 Socioemotional Development in Early Childhood 3
ECE 1103 Early Childhood Development 3
ECE 1105 Language and Literacy in Education 3
ECE 1200 Infant Toddler Curriculum 2
 
Spring
ECE 1101 Professional Development for Educators 1
ECE 1106 Health, Safety and Nutrition 2
ECE 1112 Cognitive Development in Early Childhood 3
EDU 1110 Introduction to Education 3
COM 1120 Public Speaking I 3
 
Summer
ENG 1112 English II 3
SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology 3
-- Science Elective* 3
-- Math Elective** 3
 
Fall
ECE 1108 Creative and Motor Development in Early Childhood 3
ECE 1116 Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood 3
ECE 2138 Curriculum and Practicum I 4
PSY 2218 Introduction to Educational Psychology 3
 
Spring
ECE 2120 Leadership, Management, Mentoring in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 2139 Curriculum and Practicum II 4
EDU 2110 Family, Community, Schools 3
EDU 2217 Individuals with Exceptionalities 3
 
  Total credit hours 65
Suggested courses:

*BIO 1410, Fundamentals of Biology, BIO 1105 Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, GLG 1131, Physical Geology, GLG 1129, Survey of Earth Sciences (See list of others under Physical/Natural Sciences in front of catalog)

**Choose any OT36 mathematics or statistics course

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.

Questions? We're here to help!

Bridget Ingram Professor, Health Technologies

937-328-6051 ingramb@clarkstate.edu