Early Care and Education (AAS)

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Major: Early Care and Education
Minimum Credits for Graduation: 63

Program Description: The Early Care and Education (ECE) associate degree offers a practical and theoretical approach to the study of childcare and education for children. The program is designed to help students currently experienced advance to management positions or students with the desire to work in the field. It thoroughly prepares students in developmentally appropriate practice and learning environments, teaching strategies, growth and development, guidance practices, the needs of young children with an emphasis on the exceptional child and utilization of community and family relationships. Many of the courses include a weekly hands-on lab so that students can apply their knowledge to the child care setting. This degree may not transfer to all four-year teacher education programs. The Early Childhood Associate Degree Program at TCL is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Students applying to the Early Care and Education associate degree program must supply the following documentation before registering for courses:

• An official copy of high school transcripts or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) transcripts. A certificate of completion will not be accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma or GED.
• All candidates for the ECE associate degree program must take the COMPASS/ASSET placement evaluation unless they have official college transcripts with a “C” or better in MAT 110 - College Algebra  or MAT 120 - Probability and Statistics  and ENG 101 - English Composition I .
• Official transcripts must be sent from the issuing College directly to the Admissions Office at TCL via the mail.
• A copy of the high school or GED transcripts, COMPASS/ASSET placement evaluation, and/or college transcripts must be at the TCL Admissions Office before a student can register in the ECE program.
• Students lacking these requirements may register for ECD 101  as career development students but will not be admitted to the certificate, diploma or degree programs until all requirements are met.
• Students will be required to have a current negative tuberculin skin test or, if positive, a negative chest x-ray.
• Students must obtain and pass a SLED criminal background check prior to acceptance into the program.
• Students will be required to have a current health assessment completed by a licensed medical doctor.