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Early Childhood Education, AAS

The Early Childhood Education program provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to create environments that will maximize the developmental and learning potential of all young children (birth to age 8) using developmentally appropriate practices as a foundation for program planning. Issues of diversity, inclusion, and professionalism are intricately woven throughout the coursework. Students will gain experience and knowledge through hands-on participation in early education settings. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Apply child development theory to practice;
Observe, record, and assess child growth and development;
Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum;
Incorporate developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, resilience-building, guidance strategies;
Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards;
Provide a respectful, diverse, and inclusive program;
Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults;
Demonstrate professional and ethical standards; and
Advocate for children, families, and the profession.

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Requirements & Courses

Courses

Information & Opportunities

Information

Advising Information

Advising

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

First Semester Total: 17

Spring Semester

Second Semester Total: 15

Second Year

Fall Semester

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

Second Semester Total: 14

Total Credits: 60

¹ Offered spring semester of odd years only.
² Offered spring semester of even years only.
³If transferring to a Bachelor’s program, a math course numbered higher than “100” is recommended.
“T” indicates courses in which students must earn at least a “B-” in order to satisfy terms of the transfer articulation agreement explained above.
^RIndicates a Related Instruction requirement.
*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

Through a partnership with The University of Montana Western, students who complete this Early Childhood Education AAS program have the opportunity to transfer to The University of Montana-Western's Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education program. In order to qualify, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the courses designated below with a "T,"earning a "B-" or higher in each course. Students may re-take these courses only one time.
Through a partnership with Salish Kootenai College, students who complete this Early Childhood Education AAS program have the opportunity to transfer to Salish Kootenai College to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.Upon acceptance to the SKC Division of Education, accepted students will complete an additional 103 quarter credits from Salish Kootenai College to complete the Bachelor's of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education program.
Students may access UM Western and Salish Kootenai College transfer curricula online.

Program Information

Many EDEC courses are offered alternate spring semesters, with the exception of EDEC 295x and EDEC 295y, which is offered every spring. Most EDEC fall courses are offered every fall. Please check with your advisor to ensure you are planning appropriately.
If transferring to a Bachelor's program, additional requirements for general education may be required.

Opportunities after Graduation

The demand for well-educated early childhood educators continues to increase. Program graduates are qualified to practice in a variety of early education and care settings, including early childhood education programs, child care centers, family home care settings, preschools, and public school classrooms as primary grade para-educators. Continued education and experience provides opportunities to become teacher trainers, early childhood consultants, early education specialists, and program administrators.
The AAS degree in Early Childhood Education articulates into UM-Western's BS program in Early Childhood Education and/or Pre-K-3 Education and Salish Kootenai College's Early Childhood Education BS program.