Early Childhood Education, AS

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The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education prepares students for immediate employment educating children from birth through age eight years in a variety of settings, as well as transfer to specific Bachelor’s Degree programs in the Florida College System. You will earn College Credit Certificates related to your program of study as you earn your AS.

Preschool Specialization (12 credits)

Inclusion Specialization (12 credits)

Child Development Specialization (36 credits)

Those who wish to earn an A.S. may include the coursework for these credentials as part of their degree. Students in this program participate in comprehensive courses that are centered on the development of children from birth through age eight years. Students must earn a C or better in all Early Childhood Education courses (including those with the following prefixes: CHD, DEP, EEC, EEX, EDF, EME, and HSC) required for the major for a course to meet degree completion requirements for the AS in ECE.

Completion of the A.S. qualifies students to serve as the Lead Teacher in child care settings and Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, and as paraprofessional educators within school districts.

Program Highlights:

Courses in Early Childhood Education equip students to become reflective and transformative educators. An emphasis on relationships between children, families, and communities in our diverse world is central to the framework of our courses and experiences. The opportunity to build a foundation of practical experience with young children in a variety of educational settings allows our students to be well prepared to enter the work force. Our students get to practice what they learn, and learn from the teachers in the field. Our faculty all have extensive experience and education in Early Childhood Education to teach in a way that complements students’ field experience. Students are supported in completing their courses on a full-time or part-time basis. All courses are available online, which allows great flexibility. Some courses are offered in a blend of face to face and online formats, as well. This offers convenience and high quality experiences for our students. Service learning and professional advocacy are also important elements of development for the educators we graduate.

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Admission Requirements

Students must fulfill the entrance requirements for Florida SouthWestern State College (High School Diploma or GED).

College Credit Certificates

Our college coursework certificates were designed as a result of the Florida’s Office of Early Learning’s Career Pathway initiative for professional development and career advancement in Early Childhood Education. They are offered to enhance early childhood educators’ opportunities to move through the tiers of credentials, and provide opportunities for recognition of achievement (See individual College Credit Certificates) They do not include general education coursework requirements. Students must earn a C or better in all Early Childhood Education courses (including those with the following prefixes: CHD, DEP, EEC, EEX, EDF, EME, and HSC) required for a course to meet certificate completion requirements.

Degree Requirements: 60 credit hours

General Education Requirements: 15 credit hours

ENC 1101 - Composition I 3 credits
SPC 1017 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3 credits
OR
SPC 2608 - Introduction to Public Speaking 3 credits
General Education Social Sciences writing intensive course 3 credits
General Education Mathematics course 3 credits
General Education Natural Sciences course 3 credits

Early Childhood Education Core Requirements: 36 credit hours (Must complete with a grade of “C” or better)

CHD 1134 - Management of Early Childhood Learning 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course)
5 hour field placement
CHD 1135 - Understanding Young Children 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course)
15 hour field placement
CHD 1220 - Introduction to Child Development 3 credits
15 hour field placement
CHD 1332 - Creative Experiences for the Young Child 3 credits
5 hour field placement
CHD 2324 - Early Childhood Language Arts and Reading 3 credits
10 hour field placement
EEC 1000 - Foundations in Early Childhood Education 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course)
EEC 1202 - Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum 3 credits
10 hour field placement
EEC 1603 - Positive Guidance and Behavior Management 3 credits
10 hour field placement
EEC 1946 - Early Childhood Practicum I 3 credits
35 hour field placement required
EEC 1947 - Early Childhood Practicum II 3 credits
35 hour field placement required
EEX 1013 - Special Needs in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
10 hour field placement
HSC 1421 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child 3 credits
5 hour field placement

Early Childhood Education Core Electives: 9 credit hours (choose 3)(Must complete with a grade of “C” or better)

CHD 1120 - Infant/Toddler Development 3 credits
DEP 2004 - Lifespan Development 3 credits
EEC 2521 - Administration of a Child Care Center 3 credits (Director Credential Course)
EME 2040 - Introduction to Technology for Educators 3 credits ²
EDF 2005 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession 3 credits ¹
*15 hour field placement required
EDF 2085 - Introduction to Diversity for Educators - (I) 3 credits ² *5 hour field placement required
¹Courses required for students who wish to enroll in a Baccalaureate in Education degree program
²Courses required to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education

Field Experience

Approximately 80 hours throughout Early Childhood Education courses and 70 hours in two practica

Total Credit Hours: 60

Information is available online at www.fsw.edu/academics/ or on the School of Education Home Page at www.fsw.edu/soe.

A.S. in Early Childhood Education Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Students must indicate their intention to attend commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.

Information is available online at https://www.fsw.edu/academics or on the School of Education Home Page at https://www.fsw.edu/soe otal Credit Hours: 60

AS in Early Childhood Education Coursework Sequence Sheets