Early Childhood Development - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

APPLICATION CODE 89

For curriculum information, contact the Division of Liberal Studies—Room AC-230—443-518-1620.

In our society where often both parents are working full-time outside the home, the need for qualified child care providers is growing rapidly. This curriculum is designed to provide the student with a well-rounded background in early childhood development. As part of their career education, many courses assign students to off-campus child care settings where they will interact with young children under the supervision of professionals in the field. Graduates of this area of study, under current State of Maryland regulations, will have the skills necessary to become a Director of a Child Care Center licensed for more than forty children provided that they have two years of experience in an early childhood program and are at least 21 years of age.

Suggested Semester 1

Course Number	Title	Credits
ENGL 121	College Composition	3
EDUC 111	Child Growth and Development	3
EDUC 112	Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education	3
EDUC 113	Working With Infants and Toddlers	3
EDUC 110	Introduction to Education	3

Suggested Semester 2

Course Number	Title	Credits
EDUC 140	Child Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
EDUC 151	Practicum in Early Childhood Development	5
EDUC 160	School Age Child Care	3
Gen Ed Core	Mathematics - Quantitative Reasoning Core	3

Suggested Semester 3

Course Number	Title	Credits
EDUC 200	Introduction to Special Education	3
EDUC 212	Advanced Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education	3
EDUC 230	Child Care Center Administration and Management	3
HUMN 108	Introduction to the Creative Arts	3
Gen Ed Core	Social & Behavioral Sciences - Critical & Creative Thinking Core	3

Select 3 credits from the following:

Course Number	Title	Credits
COMM 101	Introduction to Human Communication	3
COMM 105	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3
COMM 110	Interpersonal Communication	3
COMM 215	Intercultural Communication	3

Suggested Semester 4

Course Number	Title	Credits
EDUC 201	Processes and Acquisition of Reading	3
EDUC 260	Educational Psychology	3
Gen Ed Core	Social & Behavioral Sciences - Global Competency Core	3
Gen Ed Core	Biological & Physical Sciences - Scientific Reasoning Core w/ Lab	4

Total Credit Hours: 60

A graduate should be able to

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the learning process and child and adolescent development, with a specific focus on understanding, recognizing, and valuing the unique cultural backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of all children.
2. Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of content, including the theories, concepts, and skills central to the disciplines they intend to teach, while also integrating an understanding of diverse learner needs and implementing culturally responsive pedagogy.
3. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of teaching practices including construction of engaging learning activities, assessment for and of learning, and inclusive teaching strategies and environments that support and engage every learner in the classroom.
4. Engage in ethical reasoning in the educational field.