2017-2018 Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Associate (A55220), AAS


Purpose

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school age programs.

Admission Requirements and Special Conditions

A high school diploma (or equivalent), satisfactory scores on college placement tests (or equivalent) and a minimum GPA in English and mathematics are required. If students have deficiencies in English and/or mathematics, RCC offers pre-college courses to prepare students for the Early Childhood Associate curriculum.

Special Accreditation Status

The Early Childhood Associate program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

NAEYC

1313 L St. N.W. Suite 500
Washington DC 20005
http://www.naeyc.org [opens in a new tab]

Program Curriculum


Class Hours 16 | Lab Hours 2 | Credit Hours 17


Class Hours 17 | Lab Hours 2 | Credit Hours 18


Third Semester (Fall)


Class Hours 17-18 | Lab Hours 2 | Credit Hours 17-18


Fourth Semester (Spring)


Class Hours 9-10 | Lab Hours 9 | Credit Hours 12-13


Total Credit Hours 65


Additional Curriculum Notes


  1. The Humanities/Fine Arts elective can be satisfied by completing one of the following: ART 111 , ENG 231 ENG 232 , ENG 241 , ENG 242 , MUS 110 MUS 112 , PHI 215  or PHI 240 .
  2. Criminal Background Check: Students entering the Early Childhood Practicum are required to undergo a criminal background check and/or drug testing prior to participation at the   practicum site. Students should be aware that their progress to graduation might be limited by an inability to complete the practicum portion of the program. Additionally, students are responsible for submitting appropriate and required documentation to their practicum site director. The student is responsible for the scheduling and costs associated with completing this requirement and mandatory tests such as TB tests.
  3. EDU Electives: Select a minimum of 11 credit hours from the following:

Prerequisites must be satisfied before starting a selected course.

EDU 158 Healthy Lifestyles-Youth Credit Hours: 3   

EDU 235 School-Age Develop & Programs Credit Hours: 3  

EDU 259 Curriculum Planning Credit Hours: 3   

EDU 261 Early Childhood Admin I Credit Hours: 3   

EDU 262 Early Childhood Admin II Credit Hours: 3   

EDU 263 School-Age Program Admin Credit Hours: 2   

EDU 271 Educational Technology Credit Hours: 3   

EDU 288 Adv Issues/Early Child Ed Credit Hours: 2