This program provides a comprehensive foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through strong general education and principles and practices in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, age-appropriate curriculum, the child in the context of family and culture, and health and safety practices for early childhood educators.

Note to Transfer Students:

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

🗸 PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.

🗸 PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.

🗸 PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.

🗸 PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.

🗸 PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

🗸 PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Career Information

Upon completion of the A.A. degree, a student possesses the course work required to work as a teacher in both private and public early care and education settings, serving infants through preschool-age children. Additionally, the individual can work as a teacher in before-and-after school programs, serving school-age children.