Early Childhood EducationRequirements

General Education:

• Required Courses:
• COM-1250 - Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ENG-1021 - English Composition I: GT-CO1

  Emphasizes 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
• PSY-1001 - General Psychology I: GT-SS3

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• Choose one of the following:
• MAT-1220 - Integrated Math I: GT-MA1

  Engages 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
• MAT-1230 - Integrated Math II: GT-MA1

  Engages 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
• MAT-1240 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts: GT-MA1

  Highlights 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
• Choose one of the following:
• SOC-1001 - Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• SOC-2005 - Sociology of Family Dynamics: GT-SS3

  Offers 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

Degree Requirements:

• ECE-1011 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-1031 - Guidance Strategies for Young Children

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-1045 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education Techniques

  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 ages birth through age 8. Students are required to have a background screening 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.

  Course Prerequisites

  ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 with grades of "C" or better
  3
• ECE-1088 - Practicum: Early Childhood Education

  Provides 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 1011, ECE 1031 and ECE 1045 with grades of "C" or better.
  0 to 12 *
• ECE-1111 - Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice

  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. Focuses on birth through age three. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-1511 - Early Childhood Education Leadership Development

  Introduces 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
• ECE-2051 - ECE Nutrition, Health, and Safety

  Focuses 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
• ECE-2085 - Independent Study

  Meets 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 **
• ECE-2089 - Capstone: Early Childhood Education

  Incorporates 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 ***
• ECE-2101 - Working with Families and Communities

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-2381 - ECE Child Growth and Development

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-2401 - Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education Programs

  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 ages birth through 12 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-2411 - Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Education

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• ECE-2601 - The Exceptional Child

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.

  Course Prerequisites

  ECE 1031 and ECE 2381 with grades of "C"or better.
  3
• ECE-2621 - ECE Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques

  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.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

  Course Prerequisites

  ECE 1011 with a grade of "C" or better
  3

• *ECE 1088 must be taken for three (3) credits.

  ** ECE 2085 must be taken for three (3) credits.

  *** ECE 2089 must be taken for four (4) credits. 

Electives:

Choose three (3) credits of electives.

• ASL-1101 - Basic Sign Language I

  Provides 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
• ECE-2641 - Creativity and the Young Child

  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 ages birth through age 8. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• EDU-2211 - Introduction to Education

  Focuses 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
• EDU-2611 - Teaching, Learning & Technology

  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. Course is not repeatable for credit.
  3
• SPA-1001 - Conversational Spanish I

  Offers 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

Students must have a "C" or better in each practicum course to advance to the next practicum course. ƒ