Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog Archived Catalog

Early Childhood Education, AAS


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The Early Childhood Education program provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to create environments that will maximize the developmental and learning potential of all young children (birth to age 8) using developmentally appropriate practices as a foundation for program planning. Issues of diversity, inclusion and professionalism are intricately woven throughout all of the coursework. Students will have an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge through hands-on participation in early education settings, including but not limited to the FVCC Early Childhood Center (on-campus lab school). Upon completion of this program, students will

  • Apply child development theory to practice;
  • Observe, record, and assess child growth and development;
  • Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum;
  • Incorporate developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, resilience-building, guidance strategies;
  • Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state and national standards;
  • Provide a respectful, diverse and inclusive program;
  • Use interpersonal skills to develop respectful relationships with children and adults;
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical standards; and
  • Advocate for children, families and the profession.

Transfer Articulation Agreement


Through a partnership with The University of Montana Western, students who complete this Early Childhood Education AAS program have the opportunity to transfer to The University of Montana-Western’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program with junior status. In order to qualify, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the courses designated below with a “T,” earning a “B-” or higher in each course. Students may re-take these courses only one time.

Required Courses


First Year


Second Year


Total Credits: 68-70


1 Offered spring semester of odd years only.

2 Offered spring semester of even years only.

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Program Information


  • Many EDEC courses are offered alternate spring semesters, with the exception of EDEC 295, which is offered every spring.  Most EDEC fall courses are offered every fall.  Please check with your advisor to ensure you are planning appropriately.

Opportunities after Graduation


  • The demand for well-educated early childhood educators continues to increase. Program graduates are qualified to practice in a variety of early education and care settings, including early childhood education programs, child care centers, family home care settings, preschools and public school classrooms as primary grade para-educators. Continued education and experience provides opportunities to become teacher trainers, early childhood consultants, early education specialists and program administrators. The AAS degree in Early Childhood Education also articulates into UM-Western’s BS program in Early Childhood Education and/or Pre-K-3 Education.

Advising Information:


For more information about this program, contact the FVCC Student Support Center or the Faculty Advisor. 

Student Support Center Advisor Faculty Advisor                           
Jori Bullemer Eliza Thomas, M.A.
LRC 129 BSS 120
(406) 756-3905 (406) 756-4865
jbullemer@fvcc.edu ethomas@fvcc.edu

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