Early Childhood Education Major, A.A./A.S.

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Early Childhood Education

The University of Southern Indiana offers both bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs to prepare teachers of young children.

Associate of Science Degree – Early Childhood Education

The Associate of Science degree in early childhood education is a program designed to give prospective preschool teachers and child care workers the understanding in child development and the practical experiences needed to work effectively with young children. Students who complete this program will be prepared for employment in public school child care facilities, and other child care facilities such as day care centers, day care homes, private and cooperative nursery schools, church-affiliated programs, and Head Start classrooms. Students completing the associate degree also would be eligible to apply many of the completed courses toward a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or elementary education.

Early Childhood Education – Associate Degree Requirements (64 hours)

University Core Curriculum Courses (24-25 hours)

A. The Mind: Enhancement of Cognitive Development (9 hours)

A1.

Composition and Speech

9 hours

B. The Self: Enhancement of Individual Development (5-6 hours)

Select two B Categories:

B1.	Ethics	3 hours
B2.	The Arts	3 hours
B3.	Health/Fitness	2 hours

C. The World: Enhancement of Cultural and Natural Awareness (9-10 hours)

Select three C Categories:

C1.	History	3 hours
C2.	Individual Development/Social Behavior	3 hours
	(EDUC 221 is included in professional education courses)
C3.	Science	3-4 hours
C4.	Western Culture	3 hours
C5.	Global Communities	3 hours

Professional Education (Required Courses)

EDUC 203 - Introduction to Children’s Literature Credits: 3
EDUC 221 - Diversity and Equity in Education Credits: 3
EDUC 241 - Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
EDUC 242 - Growth and Development: Early Childhood Credits: 3
EDUC 246 - Language and Literacy in the Early Years Credits: 3
EDUC 255 - Growth and Development: Infants and Toddlers Credits: 3
EDUC 256 - Guidance of Young Children Credits: 3
EDUC 261 - Special Needs: Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
EDUC 272 - Health, Safety, Nutrition for the Young Child Credits: 3
EDUC 344 - Family, School, Community Partnerships Credits: 3
EDUC 351 - Music, Movement, Play, and Expressive Arts Credits: 3
EDUC 355 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3
EDUC 386 - Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction Credits: 3

Specialty Electives (Optional)

EDUC 285 - Early Childhood: Program Administration Credits: 3
EDUC 340 - Special Topics in Early Childhood Education Credits: 1-3
EDUC 348 - School-Age Child Care Credits: 3
EDUC 359 - Practicum Topics in Early Childhood Education Credits: 1-3
EDUC 490 - Special Topics in Education Credits: 1-3

Note(s):

No grade below C will count toward a degree in this program and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 must be maintained. Admission to teacher education and education course prerequisite requirements do not apply to this degree.