An Associate of Arts degree program in early childhood education focuses on teaching students to understand child behavior in order to develop activities for children. Students who earn associate degrees in early childhood education must complete a variety of major courses, general education classes and electives. The following article includes more information about the courses offered at this degree level.
About Associate of Arts Early Childhood Education Programs
An Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree might enable individuals to work with children from birth to five years old. Professionals are tasked with implementing specific activities to assist in children's development. These activities help children to develop emotionally, physically and intellectually.
It is usually necessary to complete approximately 60 credit hours to earn an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree. Such programs of study might last about two years. Students will take major courses such as:
- Introduction to early childhood education
- Literacy development
- Special needs children
- Cognitive development
- Education technology
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Concentrations </td><td>Literacy, special Education, Infant/Toddler Education, Family/Teacher Partnerships</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates </td><td>Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td>Many programs are available online, including associate's degrees for transfer and advanced degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td>Early childhood administrator, preschool teacher, infant/toddler specialist, parent educator</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---AssociateOfArtsEarlyChildhoodEducationCourses">Associate of Arts Early Childhood Education Courses</h3><h4 id="section---GeneralEducation">General Education</h4><p>Most schools that offer associate's degrees in early childhood education strive to provide students with a well-rounded education. Therefore, students must also complete general education classes that may include but are not limited to:
</p><ul><li>Writing
</li><li>Sociology
</li><li>Science
</li><li>Psychology
</li><li>Communication
</li><li>English Composition
</li><li>Statistics
</li></ul><h4 id="section---Electives">Electives</h4><p>Some schools also require students to complete electives, which enable students to learn more about a specific area of early childhood education. Elective courses might include:
</p><ul><li>Administration of Child Care Programs
</li><li>Schools and Communities
</li><li>Cognitive Development of Children
</li><li>Professionalism and Safety
</li></ul><h4 id="section---Internship">Internship</h4><p>An internship, or service learning, provides students with hands-on competencies and the opportunity to put the theories learned during their degree programs into action. Students may complete internship requirements at local childcare centers or schools. It is important that students be supervised by experienced early childhood education professionals during their internship experiences.</p>
