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 early childhood education 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.

Note that each practicum site may have separate immunization requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 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. 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
ECE225	Infant & Toddler Development	3
MTH65	Beginning Algebra 1	4
WR121Z	Composition I (has corequisite of WR121A)	4
	Credits	15
Winter
ECE151	Guidance and Classroom Management	3
ECE152	Creative Activities in ECE	3
ECE163	Environments and Guidance in ECE 2	3
ECE163B	Practicum I ECE 2	2
ED240	Child Development	3
	Credits	14
Spring
COMM218Z	Interpersonal Communication 3	4
ECE130	Social Emotional Learning in Early Childhood	3
ECE154	Children's Language and Lit Dev	3
ECE209	Theory and Practice I Pre-K 2	3
ECE209B	Practicum II Pre-K 2	2
	Credits	15
Second Year
Fall
ECE102	Theory and Practice II Pre-K 2	3
ECE102B	Practicum III Pre-K 2	2
ECE240	Lesson and Curriculum Planning	3
ED135	Teaching Math to Young Children	3
ED169	Overview of Student Special Needs	3
HS158	Trauma: Theory To Practice	3
	Credits	17
Winter
ECE227	Parents as Partners in Education	3
ECE230	Scientific Exploration In Early Childhood	3
ECE261	Student Teaching Pre-K 2	3
ECE261B	Practicum IV Pre-K 2	3
ED258	Multicultural Education	3
	Credits	15
Spring
BA285	Human Relations in Organizations 4	3
ECE222	Family Relations	3
ECE285	Professional Issues in Early Childhood Education	3
ED134	Children Who are Dual Lang Learners	2
PE231	Wellness for Life 5	3
	Credits	14
	Total Credits	90

¹

MTH95 or higher may be substituted for MTH65.

²

These courses must be taken as co-requisites within a term. Exception granted with instructor approval. Call 541-888-7405 to schedule with the Internship Coordinator one month prior to term.

³

COMM100Z, COMM111Z, or COMM219 will also meet this requirement.

⁴

BA120, BA206, PSY100, PSY201Z, or PSY202Z will also satisfy this requirement.

⁵

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