Early Childhood Education
Your education
The Early Childhood Education program offers courses applicable to all students as well as those planning on a highly satisfying career nurturing young children. The Child Development I course (ECE 104X) is a social science option in the general education requirements for any bachelor’s degree. Individual classes such as child guidance, nutrition & physical wellness, and positive social development may be of interest to parents or community members.
The Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education is helpful for those who want to pursue a career in early childhood education. The courses for the A.A.S. degree lay the foundation for the B.A. in child development and family studies, and require 60 credits for completion.
The certificate in early childhood education is helpful for those who want to formalize their early childhood education training. Often, students who choose this option have a degree in another field but need to show an employer the knowledge and skill specific to early care and education as well. All courses in the certificate apply to the A.A.S. degree, and most students continue on to complete the 60 credit degree.
The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement prepares the student for work as a knowledgeable in-home childcare provider. Students who successfully complete the program will acquire the skills to support the development of infants and young children under their care to grow and thrive in a nurturing environment. The program includes a foundation in child development from prenatal through the elementary school years as well as coursework in curriculum development for various ages, safe healthy learning environments, culture and the young child, and positive social and emotional development.
The occupational endorsement was designed to enable students to complete their coursework in just two terms with careful advising. The program uses performance-based assessment rather than testing. The courses are available 100% online allowing students to work at their own convenience during the designated timeline of the course or with synchronous options. The nanny caregiving occupational endorsement serves as a stepping stone in the early childhood education profession. Students who want to learn more can continue on to the certificate and further degree and career opportunities.
The minor in early childhood education allows students to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills through coursework that includes an introduction to the early childhood profession and development of the child in their prenatal, infant and toddler years or in their preschool and primary years. Working with an early childhood program advisor, students will select the classes that are best for their interests.
This minor is a great choice for Bachelor of Arts degree students who need to satisfy their minor requirement, or for Associate of Arts students who want to explore early childhood education as an area of interest.
Your career
Graduates will develop the knowledge and skills needed to meet State of Alaska requirements for employment as administrators or teachers in licensed centers and as aides in elementary schools. Coursework also fulfills minor or concentration requirements for degrees in other disciplines.
Due to high demand for qualified early childhood professionals, graduates usually have a variety of options for employment. The many career options include working with infant, toddler, preschool and children K-3rd grade. The following types of positions are filled by early childhood education graduates:
- Preschool teachers
- Aides in elementary schools
- Before and after school child care providers
- Recreation leaders
- Child caregivers
- Parenting and staff educators
- Curriculum specialist
- Family home providers
- Licensing and regulatory experts
- Program directors & owners
- Resource and referral specialist
- Family assistance administrators
- Home visitors
- Family advocates
Program delivery
Delivery:
Delivery is varied and based on student demand. Primarily, delivery includes asynchronous web courses on Canvas and Blackboard but also may combine Zoom, audio, and face-to-face methods.
Scheduling:
All required courses are offered at least once a year, but the correct sequence is important. That is why it is important to see an early childhood advisor.
When to Start:
Location:
Program highlights
The goal of the A.A.S. degree is to prepare early childhood educators to work effectively with children and families in a variety of settings. The emphasis is on the development of the whole child, prenatal through age eight, so some courses are very beneficial for parents too. The focus is on developing meaningful approaches for working with young children and their families.
The mission: Inspiring excellence in early childhood education.
The vision: Helping to create a world where all children attain their full potential.
Our values:
- The potential of all people is important to us.
- Respectful, trusting relationships are the foundation for our work.
- We acknowledge the complex process of learning.
- Collaboration is integral for our success.
- Working with children should be joyful.
The study of early childhood education includes positive methods for child guidance, partnerships with families, classroom activities and curriculum development, as well as current issues and trends, professional ethics, supporting adaptive learning environments for children who experience health impairments and disabilities, safety, physical wellness, and other topics. On-site coursework is taught with appeal to hands-on learner styles, particularly helpful for students who enjoy interactive discussion and project-based activities. Web classes include a variety of online links, videos, virtual field trips and individual activities. Assessment is through meaningful, relevant assignments.
In association with the program, the Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School, located on the main UAF campus, provides rich observation and practicum experiences for students.
Other details
IMPORTANT—ADVISING! All required courses are offered at least once a year, but the correct sequence is important. That is why it is important to see an early childhood advisor.
Students entering the A.A.S. degree should meet with an early childhood advisor to discuss a specific course of study. The courses for the A.A.S. degree lay the foundation for the B.A. in child development and family studies or can be combined with other disciplines to make a specific focus on young children in areas such as science, movement, leadership, business or creative arts.
BACKGROUND SCREENING: To work in this profession, students must be able to pass a background screening.
DATA: The ECE program is implementing national standards for AAS degree-granting programs. Data shown here is a result of that process and will be expanded and updated periodically. » ECE Program Measures
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