This program provides training for those who want to become involved in the care and education of young children from birth to age eight. Early childhood education, like all education, demands well-prepared teachers. A growing body of research supports the value of high-quality early childhood programs for children’s later success in school and later in life; and the most important part of that is the teacher. Courses in theory and lab experiences are combined with general education courses to provide a comprehensive base of training in the field of early childhood care and education. Unique learning profiles such as giftedness, at-risk, special needs, and English language learners are also covered in the course of training. This program enables students to meet the educational qualifications for Group Leader and Director as defined by the Department of Human Services of the State of Colorado. CMC also offers Early Childhood Education certificates in Group Leader and Director.
Completion of this program positions students to obtain employment in a variety of early childhood education settings, such as: school district preschool paraprofessional, Head Start teacher, Early Childhood Resource and Referral Agency worker, child care center lead teacher, infant nursery supervisor or director, and family child care home operator. The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students to enter either skilled or paraprofessional occupations, or to advance in the current job. These programs are not intended to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, but certain courses may be accepted at some institutions.
Students must demonstrate college-level reading for all ECE courses. Students must also demonstrate college-level proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics as pre-requisites for general education courses within this degree. Skills in these areas may affect the sequence of courses in which students can enroll and may extend the time required to complete this program. Please see your adviser for testing requirements and a recommended sequence of courses.
Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), www.naeyc.org.
Early Childhood Education is offered at Steamboat Springs, Summit Campus - Breckenridge & Dillon, Timberline Campus -Leadville & Buena Vista, Rifle, Aspen, and Edwards and through Online Learning.
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