Early Childhood Education - AAS

The Early Childhood pathway has many ways to earn educational recognition from credentials to an associates of applied science. Below are links to each option.


Parent Educator Certificate
Child Development-Infant/Toddler Certificate
Child Development-Preschool Certificate
Early Childhood Education Diploma
Childcare Management Pathway AAS
Early Childhood Education AAS
Bridge from Childcare to Educator Licensure Transfer Educator Licensure Transfer Major AAS

West Burlington and Keokuk

Curriculum Sequence

Fall Semester Course Title Credit
ECE-103 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 3
EDU-212 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS 3
EDU-920 FIELD EXPERIENCE 2
SDV-108 THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE 1
Take 1 of 2 courses:
EDU-120 COMMUNICATION, ETHICS, AND CONFIDENTIALITY 2
PHI-105 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
EDU-121 BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 2
MUS-100 MUSIC APPRECIATION 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
EDU-122 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2
SOC-110 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 3
Semester Total: 15-18
Spring Semester Course Title Credit
ECE-158 EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM I 3
ECE-133 CHILD HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION 3
ECE-170 CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 3
ENG-105 COMPOSITION I 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-221 INFANT/TODDLER CARE AND EDUCATION 3
ART-133 DRAWING 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-287 EXCEPTIONAL LEARNER 3
EDU-247 TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS 3.5
Semester Total: 18-18.5
Fall Semester Course Title Credit
PSY-121 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
EDU-235 CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 3
HIS-152 US HISTORY SINCE 1877 3
MAT-112 MATH FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS I 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-159 EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM II 3
BIO-105 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY 4
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-243 EARLY CHILDHOOD GUIDANCE 3
ENG-106 COMPOSITION II 3
Semester Total: 18-19
Spring Semester Course Title Credit
EDU-255 TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM 3
SPC-112 PUBLIC SPEAKING 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-290 EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 3
ECE-140 EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM PLANNING 3
Take 1 of 2 courses:
ECE-932 INTERNSHIP 2
ECE-284 FIELD EXPERIENCE II 2
Take 1 of 2 courses:
MAT-113 MATH FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS II 3
ECE-123 FAMILY, TEACHER, AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION 3
Semester Total: 14
PROGRAM TOTAL: 65-69.5

ECE-103 - INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is an overview of early childhood programs and curricula, historical and present, and an examination of qualities and skills necessary for working with young children.

EDU-212 - EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This survey course is designed to examine the historical, philosophical, sociological, political, economic, and legal foundations of the American public education system. Students will explore the nature of school environments, design and organization of school curriculum, and characteristics of effective schools and instruction in grades P-12. Educational structures, practices, and projections for the future will be studied. COREQUISITE: EDU-920.

EDU-920 - FIELD EXPERIENCE

Lecture: 0

Lab: 4

Credit: 2

Field Experience provides the student an opportunity to observe a teacher in a local classroom and to work with students in that classroom under direct supervision of the cooperating teacher. The student will keep a reflective journal. Corequisite: EDU-212.

SDV-108 - THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course is designed to empower new students to successfully transition to college. Students will learn academic success skills, strategies for personal development and exploration, college culture and expectations, and how to access college resources and services.

EDU-120 - COMMUNICATION, ETHICS, AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This is the first course in preparation for the Para-Educator Certificate. In this course, the student will develop skills and strategies to enhance communication and examine situations where professionalism, ethical standards, and confidentiality will guide correct course of action when working with colleagues, students, parents, and others.

PHI-105 - INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A survey of the major ethical emphases from ancient to modem times with pertinent reading in the works of representative philosophers.

EDU-121 - BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This is the third course in the Para-Educator Certificate program. The student will gain knowledge, skills, and strategies to assist, support, and maintain the positive social, emotional, and behavioral development of children. Prerequisite: EDU-120 and EDU-122

MUS-100 - MUSIC APPRECIATION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is a general overview course which includes basic music concepts and elements of the art, a general historical look, and critical approach. Music as it has evolved from the beginning to present-day is studied. This involves listening to musical examples.

EDU-122 - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This is the second course in the Para-Educator Certificate program. The student will develop skills and strategies to assist, support, and maintain safe environments, educational activities, team interventions, and technology integration when working with colleagues, students, parents, and others. Prerequisite: EDU-120

SOC-110 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns.

ECE-158 - EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on the development, implementation, and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in a context of children's family, culture, language, and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions, and environments to support each child in the following areas: dramatic play, art, music, and fine and gross motor play.

ECE-133 - CHILD HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on evidence-based concepts in the fields of health, safety, and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. The course blends current theory with problem solving, practical applications, and assessments. The course includes collaboration with families and assesses the role of culture, language, and ability on health, safety, and nutrition decisions in early childhood settings.

ECE-170 - CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Students will examine interactions between child, family, and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts. The course will explore theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting young children.

ENG-105 - COMPOSITION I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics, and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process, and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisites: Meet minimum placement test score requirement.

ECE-221 - INFANT/TODDLER CARE AND EDUCATION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Focuses on care, education, and assessment of children from birth to 36 months. Prepares students to utilize developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices including responsive caregiving, routines as curriculum, collaborative relationships with culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children and families, and a focus on the whole child in inclusive settings.

ART-133 - DRAWING

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A beginning drawing class in a variety of media using an assortment of subjects. The student will explore theories and concepts of drawing.

ECE-287 - EXCEPTIONAL LEARNER

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is an introductory course designed to provide the student with an overview of the field of special education and the policies and programs established for the education of exceptional students. It includes an analysis of the nature, incidence, and characteristics of the students with physical and mental disabilities, the behavior disordered, the talented and gifted, and the learning disabled. Students will complete observations of early childhood settings throughout the course.

EDU-247 - TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS

Lecture: 3

Lab: 1

Credit: 3.5

A survey course introducing current and prospective teachers to the field of special education. Topics of study include the following: foundational knowledge, the new relationship between special and general education, legislation, characteristics of different types of exceptional learners, and research-based teaching strategies and accommodations.

PSY-121 - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A systematic study of life-span development. Individual differences in behavior as well as cultural norms are considered in relation to heredity and environment.

EDU-235 - CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A survey of the history, critical issues, and characteristics of children's literature and an examination of both writing and illustration as the basis for evaluating and selecting children's literature for use in the pre-school and elementary classroom.

HIS-152 - US HISTORY SINCE 1877

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A survey of American social, political, economic and intellectual developments since 1877.

MAT-112 - MATH FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Math for Elementary Teachers I is the first of two mathematics course for students who want to pursue a major in elementary education. The course will use a variety of problem-solving skills while exploring many aspects of the real number system. Algebraic and concrete mathematical models will be incorporated in strategies used to solve problems. Prerequisite: MAT-062 with a minimum grade of C- or meets minimum placement testing requirements.

ECE-159 - EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM II

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course focuses on the development, implementation, and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices in a context of children's family, culture, language, and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions, and environments to support each child in the following areas: emergent literacy, math, science, technology, and social studies.

BIO-105 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Introductory Biology is a lecture and lab course designed for non-science majors or as a refresher course of those wishing to take higher-level biology courses. Topics include chemistry of life, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, evolution, plant, animal, and fungi classification, and ecology.

ECE-243 - EARLY CHILDHOOD GUIDANCE

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course focuses on developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of each child. The course emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments while using assessment to analyze and guide behaviors. Students will learn the impact of family and each child's culture, language, and ability on child guidance.

ENG-106 - COMPOSITION II

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A continuation of study of the principles of writing begun in ENG-105. Emphasis is placed on persuasive writing, critical analysis, and the MLA research paper. Time will also be spent exploring print and electronic research sources and learning effective research strategies. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: ENG-105 with a grade of C- or better.

EDU-255 - TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Students will learn to integrate instructional technology into the PK-12 classrooms. Students will study a variety of software programs, presentation technology and telecommunication tools. The focus will also be on social, ethical, legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology.

SPC-112 - PUBLIC SPEAKING

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.

ECE-290 - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course addresses the basic principles common to administering quality early childhood programs. The course will emphasize a director's roles and responsibilities, state and federal regulations, business procedures, staff development and hiring, policy development, fiscal and facility management, marketing, program evaluation, child care advocacy, family, and community involvement. The course is designed for second-year students and persons interested in becoming a program administrator. Prerequisite: ECE-159 Early Childhood Curriculum II. Corequisites: ECE-932 Internship

ECE-140 - EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM PLANNING

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines and evaluates early childhood curriculum and methods leading to the development and implementation of appropriate curricula for young children.

ECE-932 - INTERNSHIP

Lecture: 0

OJT: 8

Credit: 2

This course provides experience in a community-based setting designed to further competencies in early childhood program administration, management, and leadership.

ECE-284 - FIELD EXPERIENCE II

Lecture: 0

OJT: 8

Credit: 2

This course includes supervised experience in selected early childhood settings serving children ages birth through eight.  It includes integration of theory, research, and reflective practice.  The course will provide an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and the developmental stages of diverse populations of adult/child interactions, basic curriculum planning, and program routines.  Students will explore the overall operation of a program.  Students will complete 32 hours of observation for this course. Prerequisite: ECE-159 Early Childhood Curriculum II. Corequisite: ECE-140 Early Childhood Curriculum Planning

MAT-113 - MATH FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS II

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II is a second mathematics course for students who want to pursue a major in elementary education. The course will use a variety of problem-solving skills while exploring the many aspects of geometry and data analysis. Applications using concrete and pictorial models will be incorporated in strategies used to solve problems. Prerequisite: C- or above in MAT-112.

ECE-123 - FAMILY, TEACHER, AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course will provide an introduction to the family systems and parenting in a changing society. Principles of child development with family relationships applied to group and individual work with parents will be covered. This course will assist providers in developing skills that will help them effectively relate to parents. Topics will include: communication techniques, children's fears, discipline, nutrition, diversity, children's play and discovery as learning opportunities, and school/community resources.

Beth Ash - Education Program Director Adjunct Faculty, (319) 208-5000 ext. 5242

Email: bash@scciowa.edu
MA, University of Tulsa

Amy Drew - Instructor, (319) 208-5000 ext. 5135

Email: adrew@scciowa.edu
BA, Iowa Wesleyan
MA, Walden University

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