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

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
ECE150	Introduction and Observation in ECE	4
ECE170	Health and Safety Early Childhood	3
HDFS225	Prenatal Infant and Toddler Development	3
WR121Z	Composition I	4
MTH65	Beginning Algebra I 5	4
	Credits	18
Winter
ECE163	Environments and Guidance in ECE 2	3
ECE163B	Practicum I ECE	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 3	4
ECE209	Theory and Practice I Pre-K 2	3
ECE209B	Practicum II Pre-K	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	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	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

COMM100Z, COMM111Z, COMM218Z, or COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.

⁴

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, PSY201Z, PSY202Z, or PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.