Early Childhood Education

 The Early Childhood Education associate in applied science degree combines understanding and application of theory to practical experiences working directly with young children, newborn through preschool.

Graduates of this program are prepared for transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution or to enter the workforce and build a career.

This program’s curriculum is based upon standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and it promotes all facets of current best practices in the field. Successful completion of the ECE program requires students to com­plete field work in licensed and approved facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Care Licensing, requires students to have a record of SBI (State Bureau of Identification) and a child protec­tive report on file with Central Maine Community College.

GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN:

• Learning and development of the young child, including plan development to support physical, cognitive and social/emotional development
• A variety of instructional strategies
• Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation techniques to foster positive social interaction and engagement
• Planning and assessment of lessons and activities based on subject matter knowledge and state/national standards
• Ethical behavior to support students learning and well-being

GRADUATES MAY PURSUE CAREERS WITH:

• Child Care Centers
• Head Start Programs
• Family Child Care Facilities
• Nursery Schools
• Special Needs Programs

TRANSFER TO A BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM TO PURSUE A CAREER AS:

• Education Technicians
• Certified Teachers
• Continuing Education Instructors for Pre-K to 12 Certified Teachers

Alignment of program learning outcomes to courses in the program.

Transfer Agreements for Early Childhood Education