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.

Students will also be required to have a background check before they begin their practicums. Students whose home state is not Oregon need to get a background check from that state. In Oregon, all practicum students need to enroll in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR).  To begin this process, visit the State of Oregon Early Learning Division to apply for a background check and to receive additional information on how to comply with fingerprinting requirements. Note that each practicum site may require their own background checks.

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

¹

One criminal background check and fingerprinting is required for all practicum courses.

²

ECE163, ECE209, ECE102 and ECE261 must be taken in sequence with their co-requisite practicum courses. Exception granted with instructor approval.

³

SP100, SP111, SP218, SP219 will satisfy this requirement.

⁴

For students wishing to pursue a career in Parenting Education and Home Visiting ED134 may be substituted with HDFS297.

⁵

ED101K, ED101P, ECE180HV will satisfy this requirement, depending on Practicum placement.

⁶

A higher math class can be substituted. Students considering the pursuit of K-12 teaching will be required to take MTH211, MTH212 and MTH213.

⁷

PE231, HE250, or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.

⁸

BA110, BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201, PSY202, or PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.

*

All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.