The AAS-ECD is a terminal degree which will qualify you as a lead teacher in a child care setting, a position as director or teacher in a pre-school, or as an aide in public school kindergarten or primary grades. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, those holding an AAS degree are deemed “highly qualified” as public school aides. In 2005, the numbers of such positions greatly exceed the numbers of persons highly qualified, so holding this degree currently gives you an excellent position in the job market.

There are 61 credits in this degree. Of these, 30 are General Education and Elective credits, 31 are Early Childhood Development credits. 6 credits of Practicum are required, two semesters in two settings with two different age groups. The focus of the degree is on understanding child development, strengthening observation abilities and developing skills working with young children. In addition, this program will acquaint you with resources for continuing professional growth, and give you opportunities to discuss best practice with others in the field.

The philosophy of our program is constructivist. We hold that children build their understanding of the world by interacting with objects and activities, with adults and with other children. We also believe that adults learn best by interacting with other adults in discussion, experimentation, and reflection. You will be asked to stretch your thinking and share your process with other students in the program.

Careful selection of elective courses will allow the AAS student to apply up to 45 credits to the BAEC. The program will be revised in the near future, and we expect an option for closer articulation will result from that revision.

Whether your goals are to meet Municipality child care licensing requirements, to increase your own understanding and excitement about working with young children, or to complete a degree, there is much to be gained from university study. We encourage you to speak with any ECD faculty member to learn more.