Early Childhood Education Career Track, AAS

A55220CT

Official Program Description registered with the NC Community College System:

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs.

Early Childhood Education: A program that prepares individuals to promote child development and learning, work with diverse families and children, observe, document and assess to support young children and families, use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum, and use developmentally effective approaches in collaboration with other early childhood professionals. Potential course work includes instruction in all areas of child development such as emotional/social/health/physical/language/communication, approaches to play and learning, working with diverse families, and related observations/student teaching experiences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education program, a graduate should be able to:
  • Create learning environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging for all children.
  • Involve families and communities in children's development and learning.
  • Use observation and documentation and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
  • Design and implement developmentally effective curriculum that addresses all domains of learning.
  • Demonstrate leadership, advocacy and professionalism in the field of early education.

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Early Childhood Education is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.

Note
Upon successful completion of EDU 119, the student is qualified to receive the North Carolina Child Care Credential.

Affiliation agencies used by selected programs may require students to submit to criminal background checks, drug testing and/or health screening prior to or during participation in class, lab, clinical, practicum or WBL experiences at their site. Students should be aware that progress toward graduation may be limited by any inability to meet the agency requirements for student placement. Please refer to application policies and procedures packets for specific program requirements available in the Office of Admissions or on the Wayne Community College Web site at www.waynecc.edu/earlychildhood.

For More Information
The Early Childhood Education program is in the Allied Health and Public Services Division, for more information call (919) 739-6794, or visit us at our Web site at www.waynecc.edu.

Admissions
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A placement test in English, mathematics, reading and computer skills are required to determine entry-level courses that match individual needs.

First Step To Enroll:

Call the Admissions and Records Office at (919) 739-6720

First Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
ACA 111College Student Success
1

1

EDU 119Introduction to Early Childhood Education
4

4

EDU 131Child, Family, and Community
3

3

EDU 144Child Development I
3

3

EDU 162Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
3

3

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry
3

3

Total Credit Hours:17

Second Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
EDU 145Child Development II
3

3

EDU 151Creative Activities
3

3

EDU 151ACreative Activities Lab
2

1

EDU 153Health, Safety and Nutrition
3

3

EDU 184Early Childhood Introductory Practicum
4

2

MAT 143Quantitative Literacy
4

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Summer Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
**Humanities/Fine Arts Electives
3

3

PSY 150General Psychology
3

3

Total Credit Hours:6

Third Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
COM 231Public Speaking
3

3

EDU 221Children With Exceptionalities
3

3

EDU 271Educational Technology
4

3

EDU 280Language and Literacy Experiences
3

3

EDU 280ALiteracy Experiences Lab
2

1

*EDU Elective
3

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Fourth Semester

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
EDU 146Child Guidance
3

3

EDU 234Infants, Toddlers, and Twos
3

3

EDU 259Curriculum Planning
3

3

EDU 284Early Childhood Capstone Practicum
10

4

*EDU Elective
3

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 70

Electives

*EDU Electives:

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
EDU 223Specific Learning Disabilities
3

3

EDU 235School-Age Development and Programs
3

3

EDU 248Developmental Delays
3

3

EDU 251Exploration Activities
3

3

EDU 261Early Childhood Administration I
3

3

EDU 262Early Childhood Administration II
3

3

EDU 282Early Childhood Literature
3

3

**Humanities/Fine Arts Electives:

Course NumberTitleContact HoursCredits
ART 111Art Appreciation
3

3

MUS 110Music Appreciation
3

3

MUS 112Introduction to Jazz
3

3

PHI 240Introduction to Ethics
3

3