Early Childhood Education (AAS)

   Human Resources  

Intended Program Outcomes:

This two-year A.A.S. degree program in early childhood education (ECE) will prepare students to work with young children from birth through eight years of age in a variety of settings including child care centers, family child care settings, preschools, Head Start programs, school age programs, and home visiting and parent education programs. This program will prepare students with the requisite knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Demonstrate knowledge of child development in a socio-cultural context
• Apply developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) to meet the needs of diverse populations
• Apply best practices in group management to optimize the potential for learning and social-emotional development
• Practice ethical and legal standards, as well as professional attitudes and behavior
• Apply best practices, observation, and assessment to enhance learning and development

This degree is based on the Guidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which qualifies the student to become, among other professional roles, a lead teacher in a child care facility licensed by the Oregon Child Care Division, a teacher in a Head Start program, and a home visitor in the human services field. Some courses in the program may not transfer to other institutions. Students intending to transfer should select electives that meet the A.A.O.T. requirements. It is strongly recommended that students seek advisor assistance prior to and throughout their BMCC educational experience.