The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree incorporates both an academic base and practical courses to provide a balanced program to prepare highly qualified childcare workers. Program graduates will have the skills necessary for obtaining employment or advancement in early childhood care and education. 

Program Outcomes

• Use knowledge of how children develop and learn to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development of children from birth through age eight
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices based on knowledge of individual children, special needs, the community, the importance of play, and curriculum goals and content
• Use individual and group guidance techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children, encourage positive social interaction among children, promote positive strategies that will develop personal self-control and self-esteem in children
• Establish and maintain physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environments for young children
• Use informal and formal assessment strategies as an on-going integral part of planning and individualizing curriculum and teaching practices
• Establish and maintain positive family and community relationships by communicating effectively, demonstrating sensitivity to differences, respecting parental choices and involving families in planning for their children
• Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession by being informed about professional development, legal issues, resource information, state and national regulations and opportunities that would improve quality of programs and services for young children
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively during at least 300 hours of supervised practicum experience in appropriate settings that serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school age children

The one-year Certificate of Applied Science provides practical experience for students who wish to work in a professional childcare setting. 

Program Outcomes

• Use knowledge of how children develop and learn to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development of all young children from birth through age eight.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices based on knowledge of individual children, special needs, the community, the importance of play, and curriculum goals and content.
• Use individual and group guidance techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children, encourage positive social interaction among children, promote positive strategies that will develop personal self-control and self-esteem in children.
• Establish and maintain physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environment for young children.
• Use informal and formal assessment strategies as an on-going integral part of planning and individualizing curriculum and teaching practices.
• Establish and maintain positive family and community relationships by communicating effectively, demonstrating sensitivity to differences, respecting parental choices and involving families in planning for their children.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession by being informed about professional development, legal issues, resource information, state and national regulations and opportunities that would improve quality of programs and services for young children.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively during at least 300 hours of supervised practicum experience in appropriate settings serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school age children.