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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Educational Studies Early Childhood
Major: 8134
Effective Term: 2025 Fall   
Award Type: AA

CIP Code: 13.1210
 Program Availability: CG   EM   GC   MC   PC   PV   RS   SC   SM  
Instructional Council: Early Childhood Education
Total Credits: 60-64
GPA: 2.00
SOC Code: Upon completion of this degree, students may pursue a career as:
25-2011.00 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
11-9031.00 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
25-9042.00 Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
39-9032.00 Recreation Workers
25-2032.00 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Upon completion of a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career as:
25-2012.00 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
25-2051.00 Special Education Teachers, Preschool
25-2055.00 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
25-2056.00 Special Education Teachers, Elementary School


Description: The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Educational Studies Early Childhood provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum that emphasizes community, early childhood, and youth education. This program of study is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge in educational practices for use in the community setting. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Education, students may work with children and youth outside of traditional public school classroom settings. The AA, Educational Studies Early Childhood does not provide a pathway for students seeking Arizona Department of Education teacher certification.

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences that promote growth and development in the following domains: Social-Emotional, Physical, Cognitive, and Language and Literacy. ([HU])
2. Identify the components necessary for a safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy learning environment according to best practices and local, state, and national standards. (CFS123, CFS125, EED215, [HU], [SG], [SQ])
3. Analyze learning and development through observation and documentation, using standards and best practices. (CFS123, CFS125, EED215, [FYC], (CRE), [MA], [SG], [SQ])
4. Identify reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships between educational professionals, families and communities. (CFS123, CFS125, EED215, (COM), [HU])
5. Develop communication skills necessary for education and community advocacy. ([FYC], [CS], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
6. Practice ethical and professional standards and behavior. ([FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
7. Advocate for ethical, equitable, diverse, and effective community, early childhood, and youth education professions. ([FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU])
8. Engage in reflective practice and continuous learning through education and research. (CFS123, CFS125, EED215, [FYC], (CRE), [MA], [SG], [SQ])
9. Develop problem solving skills relevant to community, early childhood, and youth education. (CFS123, CFS125, EED215, [FYC], (COM), (CRE), [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
10. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Required Courses
EED215 Early Learning: Health, Safety, Nutrition and Physical Fitness (3) OR
CFS123 Health and Nutrition in Early Childhood Settings (1) AND
CFS125 Safety in Early Childhood Settings (1) 2-3

FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
 Credits: 3-6

+ indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 24, 2025

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.