Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5503
Curriculum Code: 0606
Campus Location: City
Business & Public Service Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: HS or GED Diploma
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: English Electives, 2 years Math, Biology, Human Relations
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Day care centers, nursery schools, Early Childhood centers
Program Description
Childcare has become a national priority. Along with the sweeping changes in the American family have come demands for quality early childhood education and care, resulting in the need for competent early childhood professionals. The Early Childhood Program prepares students to assume responsible early childhood positions. Both degree and non-degree students, full- or part-time, are welcome in this curriculum. Those interested may take 12 credit hours in the Early Childhood Department to meet New York State daycare regulations.
The Early Childhood Program consists of early childhood education courses, liberal arts courses and practical field experience with infants and young children. Students use their classroom learning in a series of laboratory experiences in a variety of early childhood education centers. The first two early childhood lab experiences are generally offered day and evening, depending on enrollment. The third lab and student teaching are offered only during the day; but the seminar portion for student teaching is now offered in the evenings, depending on the semester and need. Students working in the field may apply for a waiver/or LEAP credit for Labs I, II or III, depending on experience. All of the other required Early Childhood courses are offered during both day and evening.
Graduates and students are employed in responsible early childhood positions in the community. These include, but are not limited to, positions in day care classrooms, preschool programs, nursery schools, Head Start, before- and after-school programs, family day care programs, residential setting programs, special education programs, agencies specializing in the care of infants and young children and positions as nannies.
Articulation Agreements
Articulation agreements with the Child Care Coalition of Niagara Frontier Inc. CDA, CAO Head Start CDA, Erie I BOCES, Ellicottville BOCES, West Seneca Academy of Education and Alden High School facilitate transfer of credit into the Erie Community College Early Childhood Department.
Advanced Studies Agreements
The Early Childhood Department has an Advanced Studies agreement with Erie I BOCES which enables students at Erie I BOCES to earn transcripted college credit for their studies in the Erie I BOCES Early Childhood classes.
Transfer Agreements
The Erie Community College Early Childhood Department has transfer agreements with several area colleges. The agreements facilitate the transfer of Erie Community College Early Childhood graduates into designated four-year programs. They include Canisius College, Daemen College, SUNY at Buffalo, SUC at Buffalo and SUC at Fredonia.
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
Early Childhood students must be exempt from, or have satisfactorily completed developmental reading and writing courses before enrolling in the program. Students must maintain a grade of “C” in all early childhood courses. (A “C–” or a “D” in an Early Childhood course indicates that the course must be repeated to remain in the Early Childhood curriculum.) As a prerequisite of the lab experiences, students must be able to satisfy health and other requirements of New York State Day Care Licensing regulations as stated in the licensing document and New York State Division of Family Services. The college reserves the right to deny acceptance into the Early Childhood Program when students have an incomplete or unacceptable physical report or do not meet the requirements requested by the licensed day care centers, family day care homes and public schools used for lab placements by the Early Childhood Department.
All students must also make an appointment with an adviser from the Early Childhood Department before starting any lab practicum requirements (Lab I, Lab II, Lab III).
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood, the graduate will be able to:
- demonstrate clear knowledge of child growth and development;
- assist the classroom teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment;
- plan goals and objectives for early childhood programs;
- prepare, select and use materials appropriate for the age level and maturity of young children;
- plan and implement daily activities on the level of the children;
- supervise the activities of young children;
- observe, record and communicate children’s behaviors effectively;
- provide opportunities for parental involvement in a child’s education;
- understand the history of early childhood education, the theory and research concerning the development, behavior and learning of young children;
- provide opportunities for building self-confidence and strengths in young children;
- demonstrate an awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity with children, adults and the community;
- exhibit a healthy self-esteem and demonstrate professionalism;
- demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills; and
- become active members in early childhood professional organizations.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 61.5
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