Associate's Degree
Hesser College's Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education program can help prepare you to take an important role in the lives of the children you teach in your potential new career. From teaching children how to think, play, work together, and improve their confidence, to how to read, write, and do basic mathematics, we can help prepare you as a coach and role model. In addition, you can observe and report on a child's progress to their parents and your supervisors in real-life settings.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded an associate's degree.
Early Childhood Education Degree Program Features
- The chance to observe and teach under the guidance of a full-time director
- Opportunity to work with children and their parents directly
- Focus on children's maximum growth and development
- Hands-on training with placement in training facilities each semester
- Available externship and job placement assistance
Note: As an early childhood education major, you will be required to have a physical and submit a certificate of eligibility. In addition, observation and practical training takes place in local childcare facilities each semester. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the facilities.
Potential Early Childhood Education Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this program you may seek future entry-level employment opportunities such as:
- Teacher
- Owner
- Paraprofessional in public school settings
Early Childhood Education Courses and Typical length of Study
The approximate length of study for this program is 65 semester credit hours.
Career
Courses |
Semester Credit Hours |
| EDUC103 |
Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Environment, and Curriculum |
3 |
| EDUC113 |
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Children |
3 |
| EDUC229 |
Introduction to Special Education |
3 |
| EDUC233* |
Math and Science in Early Childhood |
3 |
| EDUC238* |
Introduction to Educational Assessment and Planning |
2.5 |
| EDUC238P* |
Introduction to Educational Assessment and Planning Practicum |
0.5 |
| EDUC247* |
Literacy and Language Arts in Early Childhood |
3 |
| EDUC251 |
Infant/Toddler Development, Curriculum, Programming |
3 |
| EDUC261 |
Child Guidance and Discipline in Early Childhood |
3 |
| EDUC276* |
Creative Experiences |
3 |
| EDUC295* |
Field Experience I in Early Childhood Education |
3 |
| EDUC295S* |
Field Experience I Seminar |
1 |
| EDUC296* |
Field Experience II in Early Childhood Education |
3 |
| EDUC296S* |
Field Experience II Seminar |
1 |
General Education Courses |
|
| GNED111 |
First Semester Seminar |
3 |
| GNED211 |
Critical Thinking Workshop |
3 |
| ENGL103 |
English Composition |
3 |
| ENGL106 |
English Composition II |
3 |
| ENGL110 |
Oral Communications |
3 |
|
Mathematics elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Natural Science elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| PSYCH123 |
Child and Adolescent Growth and Development |
3 |
| |
Humanities elective (100 level or higher) |
3 |
| |
Humanities or Social Science elective (200 level or higher) |
3 |
Total Credit Hours |
65 |
Early Childhood Education Degree Program Outcomes
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child development and learning
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of and recognize the value of the role of family, culture, and community in children’s lives
- Use appropriate assessments to positively influence children’s development
- Demonstrate knowledge of and practice in teaching and learning
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a reflective early childhood practitioner
- Demonstrate knowledge of health, safety, nutrition, and administrative guidelines in early childhood settings
Note: All Early Childhood Education majors are required to have a physical and to submit a certificate of eligibility.
Students in this program are required to submit to any required criminal records background checks (CRI) and be fingerprinted every semester. Students are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements.
As part of this program, students will complete observation and practical training in local childcare facilities each semester. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the facilities and with complying with the requirements of each facility.
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