Early Childhood, A.A.S., Major #1327

This program has been deactivated and students will no longer be admitted to the major.  Currently enrolled students will complete the degree in accordance with the approved teach-out plan.

The Early Childhood program is available only at the Norwich Campus. The program is designed to prepare students for employment as Early Childhood professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) projects continued strong employment opportunities for Early Childhood professionals for the foreseeable future. The curriculum provides those individuals seeking to pursue a career in this field with the knowledge, skills and experiences required for success. This program is designed to effectively prepare students to enter careers that do not require teacher licensure or certification. The New York State Department of Education (www.nysed.gov) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (www.naeyc.org) encourage rigorous training and education requirements for early childhood professionals. Research suggests a significant relationship between providers’ education and training and the quality of early education and care young children receive. As a result of federal legislation, continuing professional education is becoming increasingly important for many early childhood professionals already employed in the field. Accreditation: This degree program meets all of the standards set forth by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Accordingly, the College is actively pursuing NAEYC accreditation.

 Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes include the seven standards of professional preparation established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

• Standard 1 – Promoting Child Development and Learning. Students will develop the skills necessary to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, accepting and challenging to all children
  

• Standard 2 – Building Family and Community Relationships. Students will develop the skills necessary to create respectful, reciprocal relationships with families that support and involve families in their children’s development
  

• Standard 3 – Observing, Documenting and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families. Students will use effective assessment tools such as observations and documentations to positively influence children’s development
  

• Standard 4 – Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families. Students will learn how to design activities, routines, interactions, and curriculum for specific children and groups of children
  

• Standard 5 – Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum. Students develop curriculum to include both planned and spontaneous experiences that are developmentally appropriate, meaningful, and challenging for all young children, including those with developmental delays or disabilities
  

• Standard 6 - Becoming a Professional. Students conduct themselves in a completely professional manner at all times. Students reflect on and evaluate one’s professional role as a team member, lifelong learner, and advocate for children and families
  

• Standard 7 – Students participate in field experiences and clinical practice in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth age 3, 3 through 5, 5 through 8 years) and in the variety of settings that offer early education (early school grades, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs)

 Curriculum Requirements - 65 Credits

Suggested Course Sequence