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Apr 07, 2025
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Fall 2025 - Summer 2026 Academic Catalog
Early Childhood A.A.S.
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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education and Human Services
HEGIS: 5503
Important Note about Program Requirements
The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2025 to Summer 2026. 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 A.A.S. program at SUNY Westchester Community College prepares students to work with children from birth to age eight in various educational settings. Through a combination of coursework, field placements, and seminars, students develop skills in observing and assessing children, designing age-appropriate curricula, and understanding child development. Emphasizing the importance of reflective practice and valuing children’s diverse backgrounds, the program supports students in translating theory into practice. Graduates are ready for entry-level positions in early childhood education or may choose to continue their studies in a bachelor’s program for further career advancement. Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will: - Articulate a philosophy of teaching, based on valuing children’s strengths and ways of knowing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to guide daily practice and curriculum in early childhood settings for each child.
- Recognize the diverse and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities as a foundation for building relationships.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in early childhood settings.
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 with Lab
- Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (3 credits): HIS 110 - U.S. History Colonial to 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: 60Career Opportunities
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