The Early Childhood Education associate's degree program is for those students who currently are employed or aspire to work in early childhood care and education programs. Completion of JCCC's associate of science degree program provides students the credentials to advance in quality early childhood care and education settings. The program has four areas of specialization: administration, care and education of young children with special needs, infant/toddler care and education and school age programs. Credits will transfer to many Kansas universities. Excellent practical education opportunities are available to students in the program.
This program requires a professional liability insurance fee. Students will be notified via their JCCC student e-mail account if they are required to pay a $16 fee. The dollar amount for fees is subject to change.
Prerequisite
Students must meet the requirements for employment in early childhood care and education centers in Kansas (stated in the Kansas Licensing Regulations for Preschools and Child Care Centers).
Associate of Science Degree
Important: Students graduating with an Early Childhood Education degree must complete an approved cultural diversity course. Some of the approved courses are able to meet both the cultural diversity requirement and a general education requirement.
Cultural Diversity Course Requirement at JCCC
(Major Code 2100; State CIP Code 19.0708)
First Semester
Second Semester
| EDUC 131 | Early Childhood Curriculum I* | 3 |
| EDUC 250 | Child Health, Safety and Nutrition* | 3 |
| PSYC 215 | Child Development* | 3 |
| or PSYC 218 | Human Development* |
| ^ | 1-2 |
| ^^ | 4-5 |
| |
| Total Hours | 14-16 |
Summer Semester
| ENGL 122 | Composition II* | 3 |
| ^ | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 |
Third Semester
| EDUC 231 | Early Childhood Curriculum II* | 3 |
| EDUC 210 | Creative Experiences for Young Children* | 3 |
| EDUC 260 | Observing and Interacting with Young Children* | 3 |
| ANTH 130 | World Cultures | 3 |
| or ANTH 125 | Cultural Anthropology |
| or SOC 131 | Sociology of Families |
| |
| ^ | 4-5 |
| Total Hours | 16-17 |
Fourth Semester
| 6 |
| EDUC 235 | Parenting* | 2 |
| EDUC 284 | Seminar: Early Childhood Education* | 3 |
| EDUC 285 | Student Teaching: Early Childhood Education* | 3 |
| ^ | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 |
Area of Specialization Select one:
Child Care Administration
Children with Special Needs
| EDUC 220 | Survey of the Exceptional Child* | 3 |
| EDUC 215 | Young Children with Special Needs* | 3 |
Infant and Toddler Care and Education
| EDUC 270 | Early Childhood Development* | 3 |
| EDUC 225 | Infant and Toddler Education and Care* | 3 |
School-Age Programs
| EDUC 240 | School-Age Programs and Curriculum I* | 3 |
| EDUC 245 | School-Age Programs and Curriculum II* | 3 |
Recommended Courses for the Science Requirement
Total Program Hours: 69-70