About the Program

This program equips students with the academic coursework and hands-on experience needed to become responsive, developmentally appropriate educators for children from birth to age 8. Students engage in meaningful field experiences that support the application of coursework in real-world early learning environments. The program emphasizes child-centered, inclusive, and trauma-informed practices that foster social-emotional development, resilience, and well-being.

Coursework includes observation and assessment techniques, early childhood development, health & safety, and the interconnected roles of families, communities, schools, and support agencies in promoting healthy development. Students also explore the foundations of education. A strong focus is placed on creating nurturing learning environments that are culturally responsive and grounded in the principles of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed care.

For a roadmap that identifies the preferred sequencing of courses and other specific recommendations from faculty, please see the corresponding program map(s):

• Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Degree Requirements

Total credits required to earn this degree: 96 with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in the program requirements

LCC students must meet distribution requirements for bachelor degrees, associate degrees, and specific certificates. See Diversity and Distribution Lists for more information.

General Education Requirements

Program Requirements

 

Program Outcomes

Students completing this program should acquire the following skills and abilities:

• Apply knowledge of child development to create learning environments that foster the growth of the whole child. (Global Skills: Critical Thinking, NAEYC 1a, 4a)
• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. (Global Skills - Critical Thinking, NAEYC 5a, 5c)
• Analyze and apply quantitative data to improve curriculum, assessment, and program quality. (Global Skills: Quantitative Reasoning, NAEYC 3a, 3b, 3c)
• Integrate culturally and linguisitically responsive practices that support diverse children and families (Global Skills: Communication, NAEYC 2a, 2c, 6d)
• Collaborate with families, colleagues, and community partners to promote positive outcomes. (Global Skills: Teamwork, NAEYC 2c, 6c)
• Demonstrate knowledge of health, safety, and nutrition standards in early learning settings. (Global Skills: Critical Thinking, NAEYC 1c)
• Implement guidance strategies that support positive behavior, social-emotional competence, and resilience in young children. (Global Skills: Teamwork, NAEYC 1a, 4b, 4c)
• Apply a variety of developmentally appropriate teaching methods and instructional strategies to support active learning and meaningful communication. (Global Skills: Communication, NAEYC 1a, 4b, 4c)
• Engage in reflective, ethical, and leadership practices that demonstrate professionalism, advocacy, and commitment to lifelong learning in the field of early childhood education. (Global Skills: Communication, NAEYC 5b, 6c)
• Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual forms with children, families, and colleagues. (Global Skills: Teamwork, NAEYC 6b, 6d, 6e)

Notes

Revised November 2025 (effective Summer 2026)

Program planning is based on information available at the time of preparation. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their LCC advisor. Consult the LCC catalog for LCC graduation requirements.