Early Childhood Education, A.A.S.

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Lori Barrett, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator
Laboratory Preschool Director
Caperton Center 216 / (304)367-4848
Lori.Barrett@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree includes the study of the growth and development of young children as well as the planning, preparation and implementation of appropriate curriculum and environments for early childhood programs. The program provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience working with children in a laboratory preschool setting and in early childhood programs within the community.

NOTE: Students in this program must pass a background check during the first semester of their program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the AAS degree in Early Childhood Education, graduates will be able to do the following:

Plan, prepare and implement appropriate curriculum for a high-quality early childhood program based on a knowledge of child development and best practices
Plan classroom learning environments that are developmentally appropriate
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, teaching methods and professional conduct while working with young children
Demonstrate an understanding of all West Virginia Child Care Licensing regulations for center employees
Demonstrate ability to implement West Virginia Early Learning Standards while working with young children

Opportunities

Graduates with the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree are qualified to teach in child care centers, public pre-k teaching assistant, Head Start programs, private nursery schools, and work as a Nanny. Graduates meet state requirements to be the director of a Type I, II or III child care center in the state of West Virginia. Other employment opportunities include positions in public and private organizations providing services for children. Pierpont C&TC has an articulation agreement that allows graduates with the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree to apply credit towards a Child Development and Family Studies non-certification Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Special Education certification degree at West Virginia University.

Required Courses (61 Hrs)

General Studies (15 Hrs)

~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3-4 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3-4 hr(s).
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).
~SCY 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 hr(s).

Required Core Courses (45 Hrs)

EC 1105 - Development of Young Children 3 hr(s).
EC 1106 - Health and Safety in Early Childhood Programs 3 hr(s). (includes Pediatric First Aid and CPR)
EC 1107 - Early Childhood Curriculum 3 hr(s).
EC 1130 - Foundations of Early Childhood 3 hr(s).
EC 2206 - The Child in the Family 3 hr(s).
EC 2210 - Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood Education 3 hr(s).
EC 2220 - Early Childhood Inclusion and Special Education 3 hr(s).
EC 2230 - Classroom Strategies 3 hr(s).
EC 2231 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs 3 hr(s).
EC 2232 - Early Childhood Practicum I 3 hr(s).
EC 2233 - Early Childhood Observation and Assessment 3 hr(s).
EC 2240 - Infant Toddler Development and Care 3 hr(s).
EC 2283 - Cognitive Development 3 hr(s).
EC 2995 - Early Childhood Practicum II 4 hr(s).
FOSM 1120 - Nutrition in Childhood & Adolescence 3 hr(s).

Model Schedule (61 Hrs)

Grade Requirement

Students must earn a “C” or better in all EC and ENGL 1104 , ENGL 1108 /ENGL 1109 classes to graduate.

Notice to All Students

Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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