Early Childhood Specialist, A.A.S.

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The A.A.S. Early Childhood Specialist degree is a 60-credit program to prepare students for employment as pre-school child care center teachers, teachers aids in WV counties recognizing the curriculum and other child care centers serving children birth to age 6. Students combine theories with practical applications where possible. The program focuses on the cognitive, emotional and physical development of young children and appropriate curriculum and activities to enhance the development of young children. The program includes administrative and management skills for those individuals that will obtain supervision and management positions. Students learn communication and management skills. Students learn to maintain childcare center records in accordance with West Virginia and federal laws. Students are prepared for employment upon graduation from the program.

Program Outcomes

Prepare students for employment in pre-school childcare centers, teacher’s aids, and other childcare centers serving children birth to age 6.
Apply theories of early childcare with practical applications.
Implement age-appropriate curriculum and classroom activities.
Prepare to assume supervision roles in an early childcare facility.
Maintain childcare facility records in accordance with West Virginia and Federal Law requirements.
Apply professional written and spoken communication skills with staff and parents.

Curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Specialist

General Education Core	15
Early Childhood Specialist Core	33
Restricted Electives	12
Total Credit Hours Required	60

General Education Core

COMM 202 - ~Fundamentals of Speech (3) OR
COMM 205 - ~Professional Communications (3) OR
SOCI 215 - ~Human Relations (3)
ECED 105 - Child Development (3)
ENGL 101 - ~Written English (3) OR
ENGL 110 - ~Technical Writing & Communication (3)
MATH 101 - ~Introduction to Mathematics (3)
PSYC 210 - Human Growth & Development (3)
Subtotal Credit Hours Required 15

Early Childhood Core

Each student will work with their advisor and choose 33 credits of Early Childhood Courses for their individualized program. Choices can include:

Restricted Electives

Each student must work with their advisor to choose 12 credits of restricted electives. Choices can include:

Program Disclaimer

This curriculum includes a list of courses required for this program of study for this calendar year. Your Academic Plan can be found on DegreeWorks once you become a degree-seeking student.

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive.