Hegis # 5503

Program Description

The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Early Childhood Development and Care prepares students for employment in positions ranging from teaching assistant to head teacher in an early childhood setting. (Note: In order to be a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, a four-year degree is required. Please see an Education Department advisor to determine the appropriate transfer degree program.) This program introduces and reinforces theories of childhood development, caring for and educating young children in developmentally appropriate ways, and the operation and management of early childhood settings.

The Early Childhood Development and Care program focuses on developing critical thinking skills that promote the use of applied knowledge in both the college classroom and in early childhood settings. While engaged in this program, students will have the opportunity to apply education principles, receive individual guidance and feedback, and develop the personal and practical skills needed to care for and educate young children. Students will participate in a variety of field experiences in local area early childhood centers, ranging from observation to full participation in planning and implementation of learning experiences. Upon completion of coursework, students will have accumulated nearly 250 hours of field experience.

A grade of C or better is required in all EDU courses for progression in the program and graduation with an A.A.S. or Certificate in Early Childhood Development and Care.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• demonstrate a firm foundation of knowledge in child development
• understand essential concepts of developmentally appropriate practices in teaching young children
• understand and value the importance of children’s diverse families and communities, and how to use that knowledge to foster respectful, reciprocal relationships with children and their families
• understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment, and be able to effectively use developmentally appropriate observation and assessment practices
• design, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children
• understand and uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines in the field of early childhood, and engage in, practice that is both collaborative and reflective in college classrooms and through extensive field assignments
• demonstrate college level proficiency in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and analytical, mathematical, and scientific reasoning

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have high school equivalency diplomas (HSEs). If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.

Transfer Options

While the A.A.S. degree leads to immediate employment, SUNY Orange students have successfully transferred. Please check with your intended transfer school for details.

Your Career Coach

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

• center director
• head teacher (non-public settings)
• teacher assistant
• family child care provider
• early childhood business owner
• nanny or au pair
• early intervention specialist
• recreation leadership
• home visitor
• childcare resource and referral
• curriculum consultant

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