
Early Childhood EducationRequirements
Read more about the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in early childhood education requirements.
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in early childhood education degree is a good option if you want to start your early childhood education career by earning a two-year degree.
Explore the classes that will teach you about child development, curriculum and classroom guidance strategies. Study subjects including:
- Early childhood education techniques
- Guidance and behavioral expectations for young children
- Early childhood education leadership
- Child growth and development
- Nutrition, health and safety
- Curriculum design
- Administration of early childhood care and education programs
The knowledge you’ll gain while taking early childhood education classes at Aims builds as you progress through the program. For this reason, you’ll take classes in a specific sequence:
- Introductory courses
- Foundational courses
- Methods and techniques courses
- Administration courses
- Direct observation and practice experience
The Aims early childhood education associate degree program has high oral and written communication standards, which are expected and required as a professional in the field. The Aims early childhood education degree program recognizes diverse learning styles and offers supportive and flexible learning environments focused on student success.
Classes are numbered according to the Colorado Community College Common Course Numbering System (CCNS) and Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Educators and Administrators.
Aims early childhood education classes meet Colorado requirements for Early Childhood Teacher Qualifications and Child Care Center Director.
Row Groupings | General Education: | Credits |
---|---|---|
required | COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3Examines 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ENG 1021 - English Composition I: GT-CO1Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | MAT 1240 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts: GT-MA1Highlights connections between mathematics and the society in which we live and is intended for liberal arts majors. Topics include set theory and logic, mathematical modeling, probability and statistical methods, and consumer mathematics. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
4 |
required | MAT 1220 - Integrated Math I: GT-MA1Engages students in the concepts underlying elementary level mathematics. The course emphasizes critical thinking and applications. Topics include the structure of number systems, an analysis of numerical operations, set properties, numerical and geometric patterns, and a variety of problem solving skills. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | MAT 1230 - Integrated Math II: GT-MA1Engages students in the concepts underlying elementary level mathematics. The course emphasizes critical thinking and applications. Topics include probability, statistics, measurement, Euclidean geometry, and algebraic methods. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | PSY 1001 - General Psychology I: GT-SS3Focuses 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | SOC 1001 - Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3This 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | SOC 2005 - Sociology of Family Dynamics: GT-SS3Offers a critical exploration of marriage, family and kinship. It examines the family as an institution and how social, cultural and personal factors influence family relations locally and globally. Explores the stability and evolution of the family, along with current trends and a range of family forms. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
Total General Education Credits | 15-16 |
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Row Groupings | Major Requirements: | Credits |
---|---|---|
required | ECE 1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood EducationProvides 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 1045 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education TechniquesFocuses 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 ages birth through age 8. Students are required to have a background screeing for this course. Aims Community College will provide background check information for all students enrolled in lab classes. Enrolling in this class indicates your implied consent for Aims to complete a background check, which is in effect for one calendar year. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young ChildrenExplores 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 1111 - Infant and Toddler Theory and PracticePresents 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. Focuses on birth through age three. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 1511 - Early Childhood Education Leadership DevelopmentIntroduces concepts of leadership as an early childhood professional and provides opportunities to develop leadership skills. This course includes qualities, characteristics, and responsiblities of successful leaders, ethics, advocacy, collaboration, and professional growth. Course is not repeatable for credit.. |
1 |
required | ECE 1088 - Practicum: Early Childhood EducationProvides students with field experience in early childhood~programs. Early Childhood Education majors only. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours. Course Prerequisites
ECE 101, ECE 102, and ECE 103 with grades of "C" or better. |
0 to 12 |
Number of Credits Note | *Students must complete 3 credits of ECE 1088 | |
required | ECE 2051 - ECE Nutrition, Health, and SafetyFocuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. This course includes nutrition knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families for early childhood educators. This course addresses children ages birth through 12 years. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2621 - ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and TechniquesProvides 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2381 - ECE Child Growth and DevelopmentCovers 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2401 - Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education ProgramsProvides 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 ages birth through 12 years. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2411 - Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood EducationFocuses 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2101 - Working with Families and CommunitiesExamines 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2601 - The Exceptional ChildPresents 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. Course Prerequisites
ECE 1031 and ECE 2381 with grades of "C"or better. |
3 |
required | ECE 2085 - Independent StudyMeets the individual needs of students. Students engage in intensive study or research under the direction of a qualified instructor. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours. |
0 to 12 |
# of credits note | * Students must complete 3 credits of ECE 2085 | |
required | ECE 2089 - Capstone: Early Childhood EducationIncorporates a demonstrated culmination of learning within a given program of study. Early Childhood Education majors only. Permission of department chair required. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours. |
0 to 12 |
num of credits note | *Students must complete 4 credits of ECE 289 |
Total Major Credits | 44 |
---|
Row Groupings | Electives: | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives: | Choose 3 credits of electives |
|
required | ASL 1101 - Basic Sign Language IProvides students with the basic knowledge of communicating with the deaf community. Students will develop basic vocabulary and conversational skills and will be introduced to aspects of the deaf culture and community. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | ECE 2641 - Creativity and the Young ChildProvides 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 ages birth through age 8. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | EDU 2611 - Teaching, Learning & TechnologyExplores 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. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | EDU 2211 - Introduction to EducationFocuses on the historical, social, political, philosophical, cultural, and economic forces that shape the United States public school system. This course includes current issues of education reform, technology as it relates to education, and considerations related to becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado. The course addresses diversity in the preschool through secondary school system. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
required | SPA 1001 - Conversational Spanish IOffers beginning students the skills necessary to understand and speak Spanish. The material includes basic vocabulary, grammar, and expressions that are used in daily situations and in travel. Course is not repeatable for credit. |
3 |
Total Elective Credits | 3 |
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Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree | 62-63 | |
---|---|---|
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree | Students must have a "C" or better in each practicum course to advance to the next practicum course. Practicum course is: |
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Degree at a Glance
Degree Type
Associate of Applied ScienceLocation
Credits
63Tuition*
*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates