Early Childhood Education (ECD)
2026-2027 Education Pathway
Associate in Science, Human Services & Emergency Response Pathways Division
Recommended Course Selection Sequence
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| ECE100 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE101 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE109 | Observation, Documentation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education | 2 |
| ECE110 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| PSY102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| ECE105 | Using the Expressive Arts with Young Children | 3 |
| ECE245 | Field Placement & Seminar 1 in Early Childhood Education | 4 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
BEH-ELECTIVE
| Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| ECE203 | Planning Programs for Young Children | 3 |
| ECE204 | Children With Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE246 | Field Placement Seminar 2 Early Childhood Education | 6 |
| ECE103 | Supporting the Young Child's Physical and Behavioral Health | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
OPN-ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Notes
- Open admissions
- This program is fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
- CORI/SORI check required
- All courses can be achieved through day, evening, and online options
- Fall start recommended
Campus Information
Additional Graduation Requirements
Advising Notes
This degree is intended to prepare a student upon completion to teach young children (ages 2.9 -6 years) in preschool settings such as child care centers, nursery school programs, Head Start programs, family child care programs, and teacher aides in public schools.
This program qualifies graduates for the Department of Early Education and care lead teacher certification (if you are 21 years of age).
Students are strongly encouraged to work with a faculty advisor to select the liberal arts and open electives which will appropriately meet their specific interests and future academic/career goals.
Graduates of this program may also transfer to public and private institutions into the professional development track. Check your receiving institution to determine best credit transfer options.
Courses are listed in the recommended order you should take them.
Many courses have prerequisite requirements that must be fulfilled to be eligible to enroll in the course.
If you intend to graduate with an associate degree in two years, you should enroll in at least 15 credits if taking only fall/spring courses.
Completing 30 credits each year helps students stay on track to timely graduation.
Many courses have prerequisite requirements that must be fulfilled to be eligible to enroll in the course.
Taking classes in the winter intersession and summer can accelerate your time to degree completion.
All student degree audits for graduation purposes will be based off the official program of study the student is enrolled in.
Behavioral Science Elective: Recommended: PSY204, PSY136, or SOC112.
Open Elective: Recommended: HUS101 HUS102, HUS104, HUS120, or HUS122.
Communication and Mathematics proficiency are required to graduate.