Preschool Child Development, Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Preschool Child Development degree prepares students to work in a variety of educational and childcare settings, including preschools, public schools, private schools, Head Start, Relief Nurseries, and family home settings that serve preschool children. This degree offers students the opportunity to gain enhanced practical experience through practicum and student teaching courses. This degree program is fully articulated with Southern Oregon University’s early childhood development program. Students who transfer to Southern Oregon University, and are accepted into the program, should be able to complete requirements for the bachelor's degree. All coursework specific to childhood education and family studies degrees and certificates is offered online through Southwestern. Transfer courses that meet Southwestern’ s course outcomes are readily accepted into the program.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Students participating in all education practicums must meet measles immunization requirements. If you choose not to vaccinate for measles due to personal, religious, or philosophical reasons, you may claim a nonmedical or medical exemption. Visit www.oregon.gov/oha and look under Program and Services for more information on how to get your immunization records or claim an exemption. Note that each practicum site may have separate immunization requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 91 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in the program must be completed with a 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.
Courses that are developmental in nature (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses) are not applicable to this degree.
Students must complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning options are available for students with a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Step Seven on the Oregon Registry, or a Certificate of Completion for First Connections that includes mentoring in an infant toddler learning environment. Contact ece@socc.edu for more information.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this degree, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Observe, Document, and Assess to Support Young Children and Families
- Use Developmentally Effective Approaches
- Promote Child Development and Learning
- Build Family and Community Relationships
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ECE150 | Introduction and Observation in ECE | 4 |
| ECE170 | Health and Safety Early Childhood 1 | 3 |
| HDFS225 | Prenatal Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I 5 | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Winter | ||
| ECE163 | Environments and Guidance in ECE 2 | 3 |
| ECE163B | Practicum I ECE 1 | 2 |
| ECE152 | Creative Activities in ECE | 3 |
| HDFS247 | Child Development 0-8 | 3 |
| ECE151 | Guidance and Classroom Management | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM218Z | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| ECE209 | Theory and Practice I Pre-K 2 | 3 |
| ECE209B | Practicum II Pre-K 1 | 2 |
| CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
| ECE154 | Children's Language and Lit Dev | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ECE102 | Theory and Practice II Pre-K 2 | 3 |
| ECE102B | Practicum III Pre-K 1 | 2 |
| ECE240 | Lesson and Curriculum Planning | 3 |
| ED169 | Overview of Student Special Needs | 3 |
| ED135 | Teaching Math to Young Children | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| ECE261 | Student Teaching Pre-K 2 | 3 |
| ECE261B | Praticum IV Pre-K 1 | 3 |
| HDFS140 | Contemporary American Families | 3 |
| HDFS227 | Parents as Partners in Education | 3 |
| ED258 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HDFS285 | Prof Issues in Early Childhood Ed | 3 |
| ED134 | Children Who are Dual Lang Learners 4 | 2 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 7 | 3 |
| HDFS222 | Understanding Families: Supporting Diversity Disability and Risk | 3 |
| PE231 | Wellness for Life 6 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 91 | |
- 1
Online CPR Certificates are not recognized by the State of Oregon. It is recommended you complete an in-person training.
- 2
ECE163, ECE209, ECE102 and ECE261 must be taken in sequence with their co-requisite practicum courses. Exception granted with instructor approval.
- 3
SP100 or COMM100Z, SP111 or COMM111Z, SP218 or COMM218Z, SP219 or COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.
- 4
ED101K or ED101P will satisfy this requirement, depending on Practicum placement.
- 5
A higher math class can be substituted. Students considering the pursuit of K-12 teaching will be required to take MTH211, MTH212 and MTH213.
- 6
PE231, HE250, or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.
- 7
BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201, PSY202, or PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.