EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Home » Academic Departments & Divisions » EDUCATION DEPARTMENT » PROGRAMS » AAS Degree Early Childhood

AAS Degree Early Childhood

Early Childhood Education Program

In this program students learn the skills necessary to assist teaching personnel in

public or private early childhood centers and day care centers. By taking 15 credits

of Early Childhood (EDUA, EDEC, and EDUC) courses, students can apply to

the State of New Jersey ( New Jersey Professional Development Center) for

Certification as Group Teacher. The program combines practical, hands-on experience,

techniques and preschool education theory with various general studies. Students will

create a competency statement within each EDUA, EDEC and EDUC course that

measures performances based on current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

competencies or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

standards. Upon graduation, students qualify for such positions as day care or

preschool aide, elementary aide or social service assisant. This program is not

designed for transfer to a four-year college, although many graduates make such

transitions. Students wishing to become teachers should choose the appropriate

Education A.A. option for transfer programs.

Requirements

General Education – 20 credits as described on

page 55 of the catalog. The following general education courses,

while not required, are recommended for students

choosing this program:

Code Course Credits

SPCH 115 Effective Speech 3

ENGL 121 The Writing Process 3

Career Studies – 24–26 credits from among the following:

EDEC 105 Foundations of Early Childhood Education 3

EDUA 106 Language Arts in Early Childhood Programs 3

EDUC 225 Literacy Development and Instruction 3

EDUA 131 Social Studies in Early Childhood Programs 3

EDUA 135 Music in Early Childhood Education 3

EDUA 145 Nutrition, Health & Safety in EC Programs 3

EDUA 205 Creative Arts in Early Childhood Programs 3

EDUA 206 Math and Science in Early Childhood Programs 3

EDUA 299 Early Childhood Assistant Internships 1-5

EDUC 216 Classroom Techniques 3

EDUC 217 Introduction to the Exceptional Child 3

Career Studies – 6 credits from among the following:

ENGL 265 Children’s Literature: An Introduction 3

PSYC 206 Human Growth and Development I 3

SOCI 105 Intercultural Communication 3

Electives 10

Suggested Sequence –

Early Childhood Education Program A.A.S. Degree

The following sequence is an example of how this degree can be completed in two years. This sequence is based on satisfaction of all Basic Skills requirements and prerequisites and presumes a Fall Term start date. An individual’s program may vary depending on transfer institution, career objectives, or individual needs. See your counselor for other options and to monitor your progress.

Course Code Credits Course Code Credits

SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2

EDEC 105 3 Career Studies 6

Career Studies 3 SPCH 115 3

ENGL 121 3 SOCI 105 3

Humanities 3 Elective 3

Math or Science or

Technology 3-4

15-16 15

SEMESTER 3 SEMESTER 4

Career Studies 9 Career Studies 9

General Education 3 General Education 3

Elective 3 Elective 3-4

15 15-16

Total Credits for Degree 60-62

Early Childhood Education

Certificate

The Early Childhood Education Certificate is designed for students who want to take more work in early childhood education than is required for the group teacher endorsement but who do not wish to complete the additional work required for an A.A.S. (two-year) degree.