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May 16, 2024
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Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog
Early Childhood A.A.S.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education
HEGIS: 5503
Important Note about Program Requirements
The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.
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Program Description
The Early Childhood AAS prepares students for careers in a variety of school settings. Opportunities include positions in Pre-k through second grade in public schools, Head Start programs, childcare centers (birth through five-year olds), and nursery schools. The program also provides a solid foundation for those who plan to further their education in baccalaureate programs.
Early Childhood seminar style classes and supervised Field Experiences help students translate theory into practice. The curriculum is based upon the most current research in the field and is designed to emphasize knowledge of children through observation, description, and reflection. Course work encourages students to examine effective environments that nurture a sense of social justice, curiosity, and discovery in children. This foundation of practice enables students to become reflective teachers who are ready to meet the diverse needs of children and families in today’s society.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to build a philosophy of teaching, based on valuing children’s strengths and ways of knowing, to guide daily practice and inform curriculum choices.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to support each child’s strengths and ways of knowing in early childhood settings.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize the diverse and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities as a foundation for building relationships with them in early childhood settings.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in early childhood settings.
- Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.
Program Note
Students are encouraged to apply early due to an extraordinary demand.
Program Requirements
60 credits are required for the degree:
- General Education - 31 credits
- Required Degree Courses - 29 credits
General Education Requirements - 31 Credits
- Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research
- Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102 - Writing and Literature
- Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (3 credits): MATH 138 - Elements of Geometry
- Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (4 credits): BIOL 101 - Principles of Biological Science (and Lab)
- Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (3 credits): HIS 110 - U.S. History Colonial-1800 , HIS 111 - 19th Century U.S. History , HIS 112 - 20th Century United States History , HIS 133 - African American History to 1865 , or HIS 134 - African American History from 1865 to Present
- Social Sciences (3 credits): PSYCH 101 - Introduction to Psychology
- World Languages (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
- The Arts (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
- Additional General Education Electives (6 credits): Choose TWO of the following ANTHR 101 - Cultural Anthropology , ANTHR 201 - Introduction to Linguistics , COMM 101 - Understanding Mass Media , ENG 202 - Children’s Literature , SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology , SOC 103 - Social Problems or POLSC 102 - American Government and Issues
Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses .
Required Degree Courses - 29 credits
Program Map
The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Minimum Total Credits: 60
Career Opportunities
Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.
Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.
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