Associate of Applied Science Transfer - Early Childhood Education and Diversity Studies

This Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) is a dual purpose degree built upon the technical courses required for job preparation. It includes college-level general Education courses, enabling the student to transfer to a select number of baccalaureate institutions.

Students completing the AAS-T Early Childhood Education and Diversity Studies degree will also earn three separate State ECE Stackable Certificates. The completion of the degree and certificate program prepares graduates to seek employment in child care centers, Head Start, family child care homes, private preschools, children’s home, institutions and other programs serving children from birth through 8 years of age. This curriculum provides meaningful instruction for parents, foster parents, and persons working with young children/students as ECE teachers, instructional aides, or Paraeducators. Diversity Studies encompasses the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for students to understand power relations; to function responsibly in a diverse, global society; and to gain a critical awareness of the social construction of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, culture, religion and age in local, national and global contexts.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: • Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities. • Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities. • Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication • Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education. • Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social). • Positively support children’s whole development. • Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job • Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team. • Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct • Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision. • Design, set up and manage safe, healthy environments, spaces, equipment and materials which invite learning. • Discuss the dynamics of family structure. • Involve parents and community agencies in early childhood development.