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Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education associate of applied science is a vocational program that prepares students for such careers as early childhood center administrators, preschool lead or assistant teachers, after school program coordinators, family home child care providers, and professional nannies.

Independence Community College’s two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree is a vocational program that prepares students with coursework in child development, educational methodologies for young children, children's literature and infant and toddler care. 

The Practicum portion of the program offers students valuable hands-on experiences as they observe and demonstrate knowledge of developmental appropriate practices with children in a group setting.

The Early Childhood Education degree is a solid foundation for students wanting to obtain their teaching degree at a four-year college or university. 

Early Childhood Education Program Outcomes - Associate of Applied Science

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1.  Connect Developmentally Appropriate Practice, curriculum methods and materials, including technology, to early learning standards

2. Identify and demonstrate effective parenting strategies that focus upon feelings, behavior, and developmental needs

3. Describe and demonstrate how children acquire language and literacy skills including methods used to support such through the environment, various interactions with children, and the use of children’s literature

4.  Identify the components of the child-centered learning environment and apply these to the development of weekly theme focus and integrated competency standard-based lesson plans which are DAP (developmentally appropriate practice.) The areas of integration will be in the subject areas of language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music and dramatic play, art, and physical movement

5. Describe the cultural, linguistic, and individual characteristics that affect the child’s development and learning in an early childhood setting

6. Utilize the NAEYC Ethical Standards while observing, recording, and building relationships with children, families, and co-workers.

Early Childhood Education Program Outcomes - Certificate

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

1. Connect Developmentally Appropriate Practice, curriculum methods and materials, including technology, to early learning standards

2. Identify and demonstrate effective parenting strategies that focus upon feelings, behavior, and developmental needs

3.  Describe and demonstrate how children acquire language and literacy skills including methods used to support such through the environment, various interactions with children, and the use of children’s literature

4.  Identify the components of the child-centered learning environment and apply these to the development of weekly theme focus and integrated competency standard-based lesson plans which are DAP (developmentally appropriate practice.) The areas of integration will be in the subject areas of language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music and dramatic play, art, and physical movement

*See Courses that meet General Education Graduation Requirements for a list of courses meeting the math/science, arts/humanities, and social/behavioral science requirements.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degree: Certificate