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 the coursework. Students will gain experience and knowledge through hands-on participation in early education settings. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

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 Agreements

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’s of Science in Early Childhood Education program. 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.

Through a partnership with Salish Kootenai College, students who complete this Early Childhood Education AAS program have the opportunity to transfer to Salish Kootenai College to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Upon acceptance to the SKC Division of Education, accepted students will complete an additional 103 quarter credits from Salish Kootenai College to complete the Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education program.

Students may access UM Western and Salish Kootenai College transfer curricula online.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3 ^R
EDEC 108 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3 T
EDEC 245 - Early Childhood Developmental Themes Credit(s): 3 T
M 094~ - Quantitative Reasoning Credit(s): 4 * ³ ^R
PSYX 100A - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 4

First Semester Total: 17

Spring Semester

EDEC 210 - Meeting the Needs of Families Credit(s): 4 ¹ T
EDEC 235 - Creative Art for the Developing Child Credit(s): 2 * ¹ T
EDEC 281 - Early Childhood Curriculum Design and Implementation I Credit(s): 3 * ¹ T
EDEC 295x - Early Childhood Fieldwork/Practicum I Credit(s): 3 * T
WRIT 101W - College Writing I Credit(s): 3 * ^R

Second Semester Total: 15

Second Year

Fall Semester

EDEC 135 - Language and Literature for Young Children Credit(s): 3 * T
EDEC 230 - Positive Child Guidance Credit(s): 3 * T
EDEC 231 - Positive Child Guidance Lab Credit(s): 1 * T
EDEC 249 - Infant/Toddler Development and Group Care Credit(s): 4 T
OR
EDEC 255 - Preschooler Development and Transition to Kindergarten Credit(s): 4 *
PSYX 230A - Developmental Psychology Credit(s): 3 *

First Semester Total: 14

Spring Semester

EDEC 250 - Math and Science Curriculum for Early Childhood Credit(s): 3 * ² T
EDEC 252 - Music and Movement for Young Children Credit(s): 2 * ² T
EDEC 260 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs Credit(s): 3 * ² T
EDEC 295y - Early Childhood Fieldwork/Practicum II Credit(s): 3 * T
EDU 270 - Instructional Technology Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 14

Total Credits: 60

¹ Offered spring semester of odd years only.

² Offered spring semester of even years only.

³If transferring to a Bachelor’s program, a math course numbered higher than “100” is recommended.

“T” indicates courses in which students must earn at least a “B-” in order to satisfy terms of the transfer articulation agreement explained above.

^R Indicates a Related Instruction requirement.

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

Program Information

Many EDEC courses are offered alternate spring semesters, with the exception of EDEC 295x and EDEC 295y, which is offered every spring. Most EDEC fall courses are offered every fall. Please check with your advisor to ensure you are planning appropriately.
If transferring to a Bachelor’s program, additional requirements for general education may be required.

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 articulates into UM-Western’s BS program in Early Childhood Education and/or Pre-K-3 Education and Salish Kootenai College’s Early Childhood Education BS program.

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 146	BSS 120
(406) 756-3905	(406) 756-4865
jbullemer@fvcc.edu	ethomas@fvcc.edu