A smiling group of toddlers exemplifies the care and experience Northeaster's early childhood education program provides.
Area of Study

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

TOTAL CREDITS
69
CIP:
131210
BANNER:
ECE
Associate of Applied Science

For those who want the opportunity to provide a positive influence on the lives of children and their families, early childhood is a fascinating field in which to work. The demand for early childhood educators is great. Because of the large numbers of families in which all adults are employed, trends in the national economy, government priorities for children and their families, and public demand for services this field continues to grow.

The Early Childhood Associate Teacher Program is designed to prepare persons to meet the requirements for a variety of positions within early childhood programs. Upon completion of this degree, individuals will meet the education requirement for Early Childhood Teacher qualification. They will be able to independently implement program activities and will be responsible for the care and education of a group of children.

Individuals will also have the necessary coursework to establish director qualifications and infant toddler nursery supervisor qualification in the State of Colorado after completing the work experience requirement of 400 hours.

Early childhood teachers and directors work in a variety of settings: private and public preschool and child care settings supported and operated by the employer, hospitals, recreation centers, before and after-school programs, Head Start, and other programs serving children birth to age eight. A Northeastern Associate of Applied Science Degree is granted upon completion.

Written Communication

Total Credits 3
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ENG121ENG1021
English Composition I:GT-CO1 3

Emphasizes planning, writing, and editing/revisions of compositions, coupled with development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a minimum of five compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

Oral Communication

Total Credits 3
Course Number Course Title Credits Details

Choose one of the following courses.

COM115COM1150
Public Speaking 3

Combines the basic theory of speech communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasizes on speech delivery, preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. (3-0)

COM125COM1250
Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3 3

Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

Mathematics

Total Credits 3-4
Course Number Course Title Credits Details

Choose one of the following courses.

MAT107MAT1140
Career Math: Program Emphasis 3

Agriculture Emphasis - Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT0250 or MAT0300 with a "C" grade or better or appropriate placement scores. (3-0)

Wind/Welding Emphasis - Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT0250 or MAT0300 with a "C" grade or better or appropriate placement scores. (3-0)

MAT112MAT1160
Financial Mathematics 3

Covers the fundamentals of financial mathematics. Topics including pricing, taxes, insurance, interest, annuities, amortization, investments. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT0250 or MAT0300 with a "C" grade or better or appropriate placement scores. (3-0)

MAT121MAT1340
College Algebra: GT-MA1 4

Focuses on a variety of functions and exploration of their graphs. Topics include: equations and inequalities, operations on functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and non-linear systems and an introduction to conic sections. This course provides essential skills for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pathways.  This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT0300 with a "C" grade or better OR appropriate placement score. (4-0)

MAT135MAT1260
Introduction to Statistics: GT-MA1 3

Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT0250 or MAT0300 with a "C" grade or better or appropriate placement scores. (3-0) A.A. & A.G.S. Degrees only.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 3

Choose one of the following courses.

Course Number Course Title Credits Details
AST101AST1110
Astronomy with Lab: Planetary Systems: GT-SC1 4

Focuses on the history of astronomy, naked eye observations, tools of the astronomer, contents of the solar system, and life in the universe. Incorporates laboratory experience. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English and Quantitative Literacy Math. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. (3-2) 

BIO111BIO1111
General College Biology I with Lab: GT-SC1 5

Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular, and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, the metabolic processes of respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. This course includes laboratory experience. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English and Quantitative Literacy Math. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category(4-2)

CIS118CIS1018
Introduction to PC Applications 3

This course introduces basic computer terminology, file management, and PC system components. Provides an overview of office application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Includes the use of a web browser to access the Internet. (3-0)

EDU261EDU2611
Teaching, Learning &Technology 3

Explores integration of technology instruction into teaching practices used in preschool through postsecondary (P-21) educational settings for all curriculum areas of content. This course reviews a variety of technologies with an emphasis on increasing student learning and retention of knowledge. The course also explores combining technology with several instructional methodologies to promote professional teacher dispositions related to technology-rich teaching. (3-0)

Or another approved Science or Computer Science course.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Total Credits 6
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
PSY101PSY1001
General Psychology I: GT-SS3 3

Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including motivation, emotion, physiological psychology, stress and coping, research methods, consciousness, sensation, perception, learning, and memory. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

or

PSY102PSY1002
General Psychology II : GT-SS3 3

Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including cognition, language, intelligence, psychological assessment, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy, life span development, sex, gender, sexuality, and social psychology. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

and

SOC101SOC1001
Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 3

This course examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology, including topics of culture, race, class, gender, sexuality, social groups, and deviance through a local and global lens. Analyzes and interprets socio-historic as well as contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

Program Requirements

Total Credits 51
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
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)

ECE102ECE1045
Introduction to ECE Techniques 3

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE1031 with a "C" grade or better. (1-4)

ECE103ECE1031
Guidance Strategies Young Children 3

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. 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)

ECE108ECE1008
Assessment Process in ECE 1

Focuses on exposing students to a wide variety of screening tools and evaluations appropriate for children birth to 8 years of age. Enables students to gain beginning knowledge in the selection of developmental screening tools and evaluations important to the IFSP/IEP. (1-0)

ECE111ECE1111
Infant/Toddler Theory/Practice 3

Presents an overview of theories, applications (including observations), and issues pertinent to infant and toddler development in group and\or family settings. Includes state requirements for licensing, health, safety, and nutrition issues. Focuses on birth through age 3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE112ECE1125
Infant/Toddler Lab Tech 3

Includes a classroom seminar and placement in an infant and\or toddler setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and nurturing techniques with infants and\or toddlers. Addresses ages prenatal through age 2. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1111  (0-5)

ECE205ECE2051
ECE Nutrition/Health/Safety 3

Focuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. Includes nutrient knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families. Addresses ages from prenatal through age 8. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE209ECE2061
Observation and Assessment of Young Children's Development, Learning and Programs 1

Provides a foundational understanding of the observation and assessment of young children’s development and learning environments. This course also examines the current research on the continuous practice of observing and assessing children’s development and incorporates practice with a variety of assessment instruments, particularly evidence-based and authentic assessment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (1-0)

ECE220ECE2621
Curriculum Methods/Techniques 3

Provides an overview of early childhood curriculum development. This course includes processes for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate environments, materials, and experiences that represent best practices in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

ECE226ECE2641
Creativity and the Young Child 3

Provides an emphasis on encouraging and supporting creative self-expression and problem solving skills in children. Explores creative learning theories and research. Focuses on developmentally appropriate curriculum strategies in all developmental domains. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE228ECE2651
Early Language and Literacy Development in Young Children 3

Provides foundational knowledge of the developmental progression of language and literacy acquisition of mono- and bi-lingual children age’s birth to age 8. This course provides opportunities to explore and practice language and literacy teaching strategies to use with young children in home, classroom, and community settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (3-0)

ECE238ECE2381
ECE Child Growth & Development 3

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration. (3-0)

ECE240ECE2401
Administration of ECE Programs 3

Provides foundational knowledge in early childhood program business operations, program development, and evaluation. This course covers administrative skills, ethical decision making, risk and resource management, and components of quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs serving children age's birth through 12 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE241ECE2411
Administration: Human Relations ECE 3

Focuses on the human relations component of an early childhood professional’s responsibilities. This course includes director-staff relationships, staff development, leadership strategies, family-professional partnerships, and community interaction. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

ECE256ECE2101
Working with Families & Communities 3

Examines professional attitudes related to working with diverse families and how unconscious bias may affect family-professional partnerships in early care and education settings. This course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and an exploration of activities and resources to support family engagement in their children’s education. Supporting equity and inclusion of all family cultures in early care and education settings for children ages birth through eight. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (3-0)

ECE260ECE2601
The Exceptional Child 3

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child’s learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)

ECE288ECE2088
Practicum: Early Childhood Ed 6

Provides students with advanced field experience opportunities in early childhood education programs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011

HWE103HWE1001
Community First Aid and CPR 1

Prepares the student for certification in CPR and Basic First Aid. Skills will include basic life support, airway obstruction, control of bleeding, shock, and patient care for the unconscious. (1-0)