Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Program Requirements

Total Credits 6

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
ECE101ECE1011	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. (3-0)
ECE103ECE1031	Guidance Strategies for Young Children	3
Provides an exploration of guidance theories, techniques, and practices used to support young children’s ability to learn and engage in prosocial interactions with peers and adults. This course covers factors that influence children’s behaviors, as well as aspects of early childhood educator professionalism related to ethical and equitable guidance practice. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

Degree & Certificate Options

Early Childhood Teacher Education Designation

Associate of Arts

Degree with Designation

60 Credits

Curriculum

T-Prep A.A. Early Childhood Education

Associate of Arts

60 Credits

Curriculum

Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science

69 Credits

Curriculum

Early Childhood Director

Certificate

30 Credits

Curriculum

Early Childhood Teacher

Certificate

18 Credits

Curriculum

Nanny/Infant Toddler Teacher

Certificate

35 Credits

Curriculum

Certificate

6 Credits

Curriculum

T-Prep Early Childhood Education

Certificate

16 Credits

Curriculum

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.