Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science Degree

What is Early Childhood Education?

Early Childhood Educators specialize in the care and education of children birth–age eight. Students gain content knowledge about young children’s development in order to develop the skills and dispositions to work with young children and their families.  Students will learn about child development, demonstrate understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, and implement curricula in field experiences.   IVCC’s ECE program is a Gateways-Entitled institution. Graduates of the program are highly sought after by area employers.  Students pursuing work with children birth through age eight may choose to enter the workforce with a credential/degree or transfer to a university upon completion of the AAS degree.  The AAS in ECE transfers in full to all public universities and some private universities. Students will have junior status upon transfer, will not be required to repeat courses or take additional credit hours beyond native university students. Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity

Program Options

Students can earn the following stackable certificates that build into the AAS degree:

• Gateways ECE Credential Level 2 Certificate (18 credit hours)
• Gateways ECE Credential Level 3 Certificate (27 credit hours)
  Gateways Infant/Toddler Credential Level 2 Certificate
  (ECE Level 2 + 3 credit hours)
• Gateways Infant/Toddler Credential Level 3 Certificate
  (ECE Level 3 + 6 credit hours)
• Each of the certificates stack into the AAS degree, which is the Gateways ECE Level 4 Credential.

 Features of the Program

Courses in the Early Childhood Education program are offered with flexibility for all.  Students working in direct service with young children should contact the ECE Program Coordinator so they can set up a plan that best suits their needs.  Several courses are offered in eight-week options.  IVCC recognizes students entering with their CDA (Child Development Associate) by waiving six ECE credit hours.  The Early Childhood program has observation hours/field experience hours built into all certificates and degree options. Most students are hired prior to completion of certificate/degree.  The AAS degree in ECE will allow students to enter the workforce or have a seamless transfer to a university.

Affordability

IVCC tuition is just one-third to one-fourth the cost of state universities and far below most private institutions. An approximation of tuition and fees and cost comparison can be found on the IVCC website at www.ivcc.edu/payment and at www.ivcc.edu/save.
Many scholarship opportunities are available through the IVCC Foundation at
www.ivcc.edu/foundation and Financial Aid is available for those who qualify at www.ivcc.edu/financialaid. Students may qualify for Gateways Scholarships if they are have earned their ECE Level 1 Credential through their high school or they are currently working in a licensed setting.  Other early childhood scholarships are available to people working in licensed settings.  
High school dual credit courses are available through some in-district high schools.

Career Options

• Lead Teacher
• Assistant Teacher
• Director in a Child Care Center
• Family Child Care Provider
• Paraprofessional

Application of Skills

 

 

Places where graduates work

• Lead teacher in a child care center
• Assistant teacher
• Paraprofessional in public and private school systems
• Family child care provider
• Early intervention support

 

Things graduates will be expected to do

•  Demonstrate professionalism
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curricula
• Guide children in culturally responsive ways
• Communicate effectively with families
• Work collaboratively in diverse work settings