Early Childhood, A.A.S.

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Lori Barrett, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Laboratory Preschool Director
144 Education Building / (304) 367-4848
Locust Avenue Campus
Lori.Barrett@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Early Childhood 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 at the Locust Avenue campus Laboratory Preschool 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, 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 Associate of Applied Science Degree are qualified to teach in child care centers, public pre-k teaching assistant, Head Start programs and 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 AAS Degree to apply all credit hours towards a Child Development and Family Studies Bachelor of Science, Birth through Pre-Kindergarten teacher certification degree at West Virginia University.

Required Courses 60 SEM. 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).
~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3 hr(s). (4 hr(s). Required)
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher for graduation)
FOSM 1120 - Nutrition in Childhood & Adolescence 3 hr(s).
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3 hr(s). (5 hr(s). Required)
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).
~SCY 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 hr(s).

Early Childhood Model Schedule 60 SEM. HRS

First Semester

EC 1106 - Health and Safety in Early Childhood Programs 3 hr(s).
EC 1130 - Foundations of Early Childhood 3 hr(s).
~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3 hr(s). (4 hr(s). Required)
~SCY 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 hr(s).
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3 hr(s). (5 hr(s). Required)

Total Semester Hours 15 (16 or 18)

Second Semester

EC 1105 - Development of Young Children 3 hr(s).
EC 1107 - Early Childhood Curriculum 3 hr(s).
EC 2230 - Classroom Strategies 3 hr(s).
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher for graduation)
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).

Total Semester Hours 15

Third Semester

EC 2220 - Early Childhood Inclusion and Special Education 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). *

Total Semester Hours 15

Fourth Semester

EC 2995 - Early Childhood Practicum II 4 hr(s). (Capstone)
EC 2231 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs 3 hr(s).
EC 2206 - The Child in the Family 3 hr(s).
EC 2210 - Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood Education 3 hr(s).
FOSM 1120 - Nutrition in Childhood & Adolescence 3 hr(s).

Total Semester Hours 16

Notice to all Students

It is the responsibility of the student to meet with their assigned advisor to schedule all courses for the completion of this degree; failure to seek assistance of an advisor may delay graduation.
The semester before planned graduation, the student should schedule a degree audit through the Registrar’s office and must apply for graduation before the deadline as stated in the college catalog.
Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the college catalog.
Students must earn a “C” or better in all EC and ENGL 1104 , ENGL 1108 /ENGL 1109 classes to graduate.

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Early Childhood, A.A.S.

Program Purpose

Student Learning Outcomes

Opportunities

Required Courses 60 SEM. HRS

Early Childhood Model Schedule 60 SEM. HRS

First Semester

Total Semester Hours 15 (16 or 18)

Second Semester

Total Semester Hours 15

Third Semester

Total Semester Hours 15

Fourth Semester

Total Semester Hours 16

Notice to all Students