Early Childhood Description
Cherokee, Denison & Sioux City
The purpose of the Education–Early Childhood Associate of Arts degree program is to prepare graduates in the field of early childhood education and to broaden the students’ background in general education. The early childhood aspect of the program emphasizes creating developmentally appropriate plans across developmental domains/guidance techniques, and beginning observation skills. Students completing this program may choose to transfer to a four-year institution or to seek employment with many entities providing early childhood education services.
This program may be taken part time or full time. All classes are available online; however, courses with a lab, field experience or practicum component will require the student to attend an early childhood site on a weekly basis. All students should be aware that the requirements of transfer institutions vary and that the standards of the Iowa Department of Education specify differing preparations for elementary and secondary school teachers. Therefore students are strongly advised to contact the college to which they plan to transfer and to work with the advisors to plan a program to best meet those requirements.
Job opportunities for graduates of this program may include lead teacher or assistant teacher at a child care center, assistant teacher in voluntary 4-year-old preschool, or in-hone provider. Additionally, students who complete the required bachelor’s degree after transfer may gain employment as the lead teacher in voluntary 4-year-old preschool.
For successful completion of this program, students will be required to complete field experience hours outside of regular class time and to complete criminal and abuse background checks as well as to meet training and health requirements. Additionally, students will need to provide proof of high school graduation of GED before completion of the Early Childhood Lab course.
Required Classes
Search For Available Classes - First Semester
SDV 108 The College Experience 1
ECE 103 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 112 Portfolio I 1
ECE 158 Early Childhood Curriculum I 3
ECE 170 Child Growth & Development 3
CSC 110 Introduction to Computers OR
ENG 105 Composition I 3
Search For Available Classes - Second Semester
ECE 103 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 112 Portfolio I 1
ECE 158 Early Childhood Curriculum I 3
ECE 170 Child Growth & Development 3
CSC 110 Introduction to Computers OR
ENG 105 Composition I 3
ECE 133 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition 3
ECE 159 Early Childhood Curriculum II 3
ECE 241 Early Childhood Lab 2
ECE 221 Infant/Toddler Care & Education 3
ECE 243 Early Childhood Guidance 3
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology OR
PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology 3
Search For Available Classes - Third Semester
ECE 159 Early Childhood Curriculum II 3
ECE 241 Early Childhood Lab 2
ECE 221 Infant/Toddler Care & Education 3
ECE 243 Early Childhood Guidance 3
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology OR
PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology 3
ENG 106 Composition II 3
ECE 262 Early Childhood Field Experience 3
SOC 112 Public Speaking 3
EDU 220 Human Relations OR
CLS 212 Diversity OR
SOC 212 Diversity 3
MAT Math General Education Elective 3
Search For Available Classes - Fourth Semester
ECE 262 Early Childhood Field Experience 3
SOC 112 Public Speaking 3
EDU 220 Human Relations OR
CLS 212 Diversity OR
SOC 212 Diversity 3
MAT Math General Education Elective 3
Lab Science Elective
History/Diverse Cultures OR
Social/Political 4
Science Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
(Distribution) 2
Program Total 71
History/Diverse Cultures OR
Social/Political 4
Science Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
Humanities Elective 3
(Distribution) 2
Program Total 71
Advisors
Jennifer Weber, MAEd Ext. 1389 Room L323 jennifer.weber@witcc.edu
Gloria Stewart, RN, EdD, Division Chair Ext. 1350 Room L313 gloria.stewart@witcc.edu
No Gainful Employment program data available.