Early Childhood Education, A.A.S. - Degree Plan

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

60 Hrs

The Early Childhood Program is committed to providing excellent, research-based educational experiences and modeling best practices for all learners (including the young child and the adult learner).

The Early Childhood Program provides courses that allow students to:

Acquire the lower-division early childhood and child development foundations needed for completion of the A.A.S. degree at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and employment in quality child care centers; Develop broad perspectives of the discipline by gaining an understanding of the underlying continuity of human development, understanding the relationship between child development and later development and success in life, and understanding the importance of the role of the early childhood professional in today’s society; Comprehend the value of critical thinking in analyzing current trends and issues impacting children and their families by developing a sociocultural view of child development, critically evaluating research as it pertains to children and their families, drawing sound conclusions from research in order to better inform their professional decisions; Communicate with colleagues, families, and the broader community about children’s issues.
In addition, the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development is designed to meet the competencies required for the Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Credential which is required by Act 187 passed by the Arkansas Legislature during the 2009 session. This degree will allow a graduate to apply for the Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Credential from the Division of Early Care and Education of the Department of Human Services. It qualifies the graduate to serve as a lead teacher in a nonpublic school classroom or in a Head Start classroom while continuing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree from another institution of higher education. Student will also be qualified to serve as a para-professional in a public school pre-kindergarten classroom. NOTE: It will not allow the graduate to be the lead teacher in a public school pre- kindergarten classroom.

General Education Requirements (15 Hours)

XXXX XXX3 Computer Competency (CISQ 1103 , ETEC 2003 )
ENGL 1013 - English Composition I
ENGL 1023 - English Composition II
PSYC 2003 - General Psychology
OR
SOCI 2013 - General Sociology
PHIL 2403 - Critical Reasoning
OR
COMM 1303 - Public Speaking
OR
COMM 2503 - Small Group Communication

Note:

Honors and Global Studies courses will meet degree requirements where applicable.

Science Lecture (3)/Lab (1) Requirement (4 Hours)

ANTH, BIOL, BOTY, CHEM, ENSC, GEOL, HORT, PHSC, PHYS

Choose One Math (3 Hours):

Early Childhood Education Credits (37 Hours)

Early Childhood Education Core (16 Hours)

Early Childhood Teaching Credentials (21 Hours)

Select 0-1 elective credits.

ACCT, AFLS, AHSC, ANTH, ARAB, ARHS, ART, ASTR, BLDG, BIOL, BADM, BLAW, BOTY, BUTR, CHED, CIED,CHEM, CHIN, CMJS, CINE, COMM, CSIM, CISQ, CST, DNTA, DRFT, ECON, ECTC, EMTA, ENGL (non-dev), ENSC, ENTR, ETEC, FDST,FREN,GEOG, GEOL, GEOS, GERM, GLST, GNEG, HIM, HIST, HLSC, HORT, HUMN, HVAC, ITAL, INTB, JOUR, LEGL, MATH (non-dev), MBIO, MTCM, MEEG, MGMT, MPAX, MUAP, MUSI, NTWK, OSHA, OSIM, PEAC, PHIL, PHSC, PLSC, PROG,PSYC, SCWK, SOCI, SPAN, THTR, THTR, TRLG

Note:

Courses not in ACTs Transfer System may not transfer to all 4-years college or university

15 Hours must be earned at NWACC to graduate

Please see coordinator if you have Early Childhood Education related courses from another college(s). Course substitutions may be accepted.

Possible Placement Requirements

These courses are for developing college level skills.

NWACC strongly recommends that students enroll in English and math preparatory courses within the first two semesters.

These hours will not fulfill any degree requirements at NWACC. These courses will not transfer to a four year institution.