The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
prepares students for immediate employment education children from birth through age eight years in a variety of settings, as well as transfers to specific Bachelor's Degree programs in the Florida College System.
Program Highlights
Courses in Early Childhood Education equip students to become reflective and transformative educators. An emphasis on relationships between children, families, and communities in our diverse world is central to the framework of our courses and experiences. The opportunity to build a foundation of practical experience with young children in a variety of educational settings allows our students to be well prepared to enter the work force. Our students get to practice what they learn, and learn from the teachers in the field. Our faculty all have extensive experience and education in Early Childhood Education to teach in a way that complements students’ field experience. Students are supported in completing their courses on a full-time or part-time basis. All courses are available online, which allows great flexibility. Some courses are offered in a blend of face to face and online formats, as well. This offers convenience and high quality experiences for our students. Service learning and professional advocacy are also important elements of development for the educators we graduate.
Admission Requirements
Students must fulfill the entrance requirements for Florida SouthWestern State College (High School Diploma or GED).
Degree Requirements
General Education Requirements: 18 credit hours
- ENC 1101 - Composition I 3 credits -
- SPC 1017 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3 credits OR
- SPC 2608 - Introduction to Public Speaking 3 credits
- General Education Core Social Sciences writing intensive course (Students required by F.A.C. 6A-10.02413 to demonstrate Civic Literacy should take AMH 2010, AMH 2020, or POS 2041) 3 credits
- General Education Mathematics course 3 credits
- General Education Natural Sciences course 3 credits
- General Education Humanities course 3 credits
Early Childhood Education Core Requirements: 39 credit hours (Must complete with a grade of "C" or better)
- CHD 1120 Infant/Toddler Development 3 credits
- CHD 1134 - Management of Early Childhood Learning 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course) 5 hour field placement
- CHD 1135 - Understanding Young Children 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course) 15 hour field placement
- CHD 1220 - Introduction to Child Development 3 credits 15 hour field placement
- CHD 1332 - Creative Experiences for the Young Child 3 credits 5 hour field placement
- CHD 2324 - Early Childhood Language Arts and Reading 3 credits 10 hour field placement
- EEC 1000 - Foundations in Early Childhood Education 3 credits (CDA/FCCPC eligible course) EEC 1202 - Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum 3 credits 10 hour field placement
- EEC 1603 - Positive Guidance and Behavior Management 3 credits 10 hour field placement
- EEC 1946 - Early Childhood Practicum I 3 credits 35 hour field placement required
- EEC 1947 - Early Childhood Practicum II 3 credits 35 hour field placement required
- EEX 1013 - Special Needs in Early Childhood Education 3 credits 10 hour field placement
- HSC 1421 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child 3 credits 5 hour field placement
Early Childhood Education Core Electives: 3 credit hours (choose 2)(Must complete with a grade of "C" or better)
- DEP 2004 - Lifespan Development 3 credits
- EEC 2521 - Administration of a Child Care Center 3 credits (Director Credential Course)
- EME 2040 - Introduction to Technology for Educators 3 credits 2
- EDF 2005 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession 3 credits 1 15 hour field placement required
- EDF 2085 - Introduction to Diversity for Educators - (I) 3 credits 2 5 hour field placement required
Field Experience Requirement
Approximately 85 hours completed in conjunction with Early Childhood Education courses, and 70 hours across two practica.
Total Degree Requirements: 60 Credit Hours