Early Childhood Education
Associate Degree of Applied Science
Program Number:
103071 
About
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work as teacher-caregivers in early childhood settings. It combines hands-on fieldwork in area centers with related academic work at the college. Graduates become responsible for the care and education of children in the birth-to-six age range. They create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents.
Success in the field depends on a caring attitude, showing respect for children and adults, flexibility, good judgment, dependability and effective communication skills.
Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is the student’s responsibility. Public transportation is readily available. Some courses in the program involve preparation of learning materials, field trips, etc., that may involve additional expenses.
Admissions
Requirements for Program Application
The following is required to process your application:
- High School transcript - or
- HSED/GED Test Scores - or
- College transcript showing an Associate Degree, Bachelor's or higher Degree
Requirements for Program Eligibility for the Current Academic Year
The following are required to be eligible for the program:
- High School diploma with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or HSED/GED or satisfactory completion of 12 college credits.
- Prior to taking ECE: Practicum 1, students must show evidence of a physical examination including TB test and must complete a Background Information Disclosure and Criminal History Check prior to placement in the Early Childhood Education Practicum courses. Information obtained from the Criminal History Check may affect the ability to secure a practicum placement.
Admission Processing Deadlines:
Fall 2010
MATC begins collecting applications for the following year's Fall term on September 1st. The Admissions Office will then begin processing those applications on the 3rd Monday in October. (Effective for the fall of 2010).
Admission information and Next Steps:
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes:
- Apply child development theory to practice.
- Observe, record, and assess child growth and development.
- Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
- Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.
- Provide a respectful, diverse, and inclusive program.
- Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical standards.
- Advocate for children, families, and the profession.
Employment
Career Potential:
- Child Care Teachers:
Work in full-day and part-day child care programs, nursery schools and Head Start programs. - Child Care Assistant Teachers:
Work under the supervision of a child care teacher. - Family Child Care Providers:
Care for eight children or less in provider's home. - Infant or Toddler Caregivers:
Care for children under two years of age. - In-home Providers/Nannies:
Provide care in the child's home. - Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Special Needs/Educational Assistants:
Work in public school eary childhood programs, and public school four-years-olds' programs. - Directors/Administrators:
Are responsible for managing day care centers and planning and implementing program.
Additional Info
Additional Info about the Program:
Early Childhood Education Schedules
Second Semester Spring 2010 PDF(77KB)
Fourth Semester Spring 2010 PDF(76KB)
Last Modified: November 10, 2009