Early Childhood Education, AAS

This program can be completed 100% online. 

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science, Early Childhood Education, prepares the graduate for a career working with young children birth through age five and their families. Students can choose electives in preschool, infant/toddler, or administration of early childhood education programs.  

Early Childhood Education Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

The AAS in Early Childhood Education Emphasis at TMCC is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from July 2023 through July 2025. 

Field Experience and Practicum Experience:

All ECE degrees require courses with field experience and practicum experience in early childhood classrooms with young children (birth to age five). Field and practicum experiences are focused student teaching that require the student to demonstrate specific skills in an early childhood classroom with young children. 

• Students must complete the practicum experience through TMCC or through their place of work if they work in a licensed childcare setting serving children aged 3-5.
• Students are required to have fingerprints, an approved background check, and a clear TB test prior to enrolling in courses with field experience or practicum. If a student fails to meet these requirements, or if the background check is not approved, the student will not be permitted to participate in courses with field experience or practicum.
• Students must meet all of the prerequisite/co-requisite requirements, as well as have the practicum instructor’s approval prior to enrolling in a practicum course.
• Students must complete the practicum course during the final year of the ECE program of study.
• Students must work with the practicum instructor to arrange a practicum schedule and placement site.

Accreditation

The Early Childhood Education, Preschool, AAS is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation (ECADA).

NAEYC/ECADA
1313 L St. N.W. Suite 500
Washington DC 20005
800-424-2460, Extension 8007

Program Requirements

AAS degrees are generally non-transfer degrees designed for students to enter the workforce.

To earn an AAS degree, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.

¹

A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better, and a minimum grade of “C” must be earned in each of the degree and elective requirements.

²

Students must complete the practicum experience through TMCC. 

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Summarize the developmental period from birth through age 8 across developmental domains.

PSLO2: Demonstrate effective partnerships with families and early childhood community partners.

PSLO3: Implement ethically grounded and developmentally appropriate assessment to promote positive outcomes for children.

PSLO4: Use a broad repertoire of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching skills that are responsive to the learning trajectories of young children.

PSLO5: Design curriculum that integrates all academic content areas, is aligned with early learning standards, and uses effective pedagogical methods.

PSLO6: Demonstrate professionalism as an early childhood educator.