Associate of Applied Science

Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development program trains persons to work in or operate preschools, assist primary school teachers as assistants, work in family home provider settings, and work in other areas related to the education and care of young children. Local career opportunities exist in all Northland district communities, as well as statewide.

To complete the AAS in Early Childhood Development a student must successfully complete the general education requirements (16 cr.) and the core requirements and required electives in the selected area of specialization (48 cr.).

Associate of Applied Science • 64 cr.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS • 16 cr.

Communications • 6 cr.

• ENL 101 College Composition I • 3 cr.
• ENL 102 College Composition II • 3 cr.
• or
• ENL 109 Technical Writing • 3 cr.
• or
• SPT 120 Public Speaking • 3 cr.

Mathematics • 3 cr.

• MAT 103 Business Math • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 105 Math for General Education • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 112 Algebra II: Intermediate • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 142 College Math with Contemporary Applications • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 152 Advanced Algebra • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 161 Algebra-based Math for Elementary Teachers I • 3 cr.
• or
• MAT 162 Algebra-based Math for Elementary Teachers II • 3 cr.

Discipline Studies • 7 cr.

Per the AAS Discipline Studies List.

Areas of Specialization

Infant/Toddler

Core Requirements • 26 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedules • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 112 Enhancing Family Involvement • 1 cr.
• ECD 115 Nutrition in Early Childhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 143 Inclusion of Children with Special Needs • 1 cr.
• *ECD 147 Prenatal and Infant Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 148 Toddler Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 149 Development of the Preschool Child • 1 cr.
• ECD 154 Environments for Infants and Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 155 Curriculum and Learning Materials for Infants • 1 cr.
• ECD 156 Curriculum and Learning Materials for Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 158 Developing and Utilizing Observation Skills in Infant and Toddler Programs • 1 cr.
• ECD 159 Recordkeeping Skills for Infant/Toddler Care • 1 cr.
• ECD 163 Cognitive Development of Infants and Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 164 Practical Applications of Cognitive Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 165 Language Development of Infants and Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 166 Encouraging Autonomy and Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 167 Guidance and Discipline of Infants and Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 168 Enhancing Social Competence of Infants/Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 169 Sensorimotor Learning in Infancy and Toddlerhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 172 Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• *ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• *ECD 147, 148, 149 may be taken in combination or ECD 250 as a single class for 3 credits to apply toward the AAS degree.

Required Electives • 22 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

Preschool

Core Requirements • 26 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 101 The Child's Total Learning Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedules • 1 cr.
• ECD 105 Guidance Principles for Encouraging Self Discipline • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 112 Enhancing Family Involvement • 1 cr.
• ECD 113 Fostering Communication and Language Skills • 1 cr.
• ECD 114 Beginning Mathematical Concepts • 1 cr.
• ECD 115 Nutrition in Early Childhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 116 Sciencing and Discovery • 1 cr.
• ECD 117 Enhancing Questions and Problem-Solving Abilities • 1 cr.
• ECD 118 Blocks in Early Childhood Program • 1 cr.
• ECD 120 Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 123 Music and Creative Movement • 1 cr.
• ECD 124 Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Setting • 1 cr.
• ECD 125 Creative Media • 1 cr.
• ECD 126 Large Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 127 Small Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• *ECD 147 Prenatal and Infant Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 148 Toddler Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 149 Development of the Preschool Child • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• ECD 216 Transitions • 1 cr.
• *ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• *ECD 147, 148, 149 may be taken in combination or ECD 250 as a single class for 3 credits to apply toward the AAS degree.

Required Electives • 22 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

School Age

Core Requirements • 26 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedule • 1 cr.
• ECD 107 Collecting, Organizing, and Using Teaching Aids • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 115 Nutrition in Early Childhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 116 Sciencing and Discovery • 1 cr.
• ECD 117 Enhancing Questions and Problem-Solving Abilities • 1 cr.
• ECD 120 Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 123 Music and Creative Movement • 1 cr.
• ECD 124 Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Setting • 1 cr.
• ECD 125 Creative Media • 1 cr.
• ECD 127 Small Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• *ECD 147 Prenatal and Infant Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 148 Toddler Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 149 Development of the Preschool Child • 1 cr.
• ECD 150 Middle Childhood Years • 1 cr.
• ECD 151 Math for School Agers • 1 cr.
• ECD 152 Learning Environment for School Agers • 1 cr.
• ECD 153 Guidance Principles for School Agers • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• ECD 216 Transitions • 1 cr.
• ECD 217 Early Literacy • 1 cr.
• *ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• EDU 139 Assisting in Teaching Elementary School Physical Education • 1 cr.
• *ECD 147, 148, 149 may be taken in combination or ECD 250 as a single class for 3 credits to apply toward the AAS degree.

Required Electives • 22 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

Family Care

Core Requirements • 26 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 101 The Child's Total Learning Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedules • 1 cr.
• ECD 105 Guidance Principles for Encouraging Self Discipline • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 113 Fostering Communication and Language Skills • 1 cr.
• ECD 114 Beginning Mathematical Concepts • 1 cr.
• ECD 116 Sciencing and Discovery • 1 cr.
• ECD 117 Enhancing Questions and Problem-Solving Abilities • 1 cr.
• ECD 120 Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 123 Music and Creative Movement • 1 cr.
• ECD 124 Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Setting • 1 cr.
• ECD 125 Creative Media • 1 cr.
• ECD 126 Large Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 127 Small Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• *ECD 147 Prenatal and Infant Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 148 Toddler Development • 1 cr.
• *ECD 149 Development of the Preschool Child • 1 cr.
• ECD 167 Guidance and Discipline of Infants and Toddlers • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• ECD 181 Recordkeeping for the Family Day Care Provider • 3 cr.
• ECD 182 Family Day Care as a Small Business • 3 cr.
• ECD 183 Balancing Work and Family in a Family Day Care Setting • 3 cr.
• *ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• *ECD 147, 148, 149 may be taken in combination or ECD 250 as a single class for 3 credits to apply toward the AAS degree.

Required Electives • 22 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

Early Childhood Management

Core Requirements • 35 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedules • 1 cr.
• ECD 105 Guidance Principles for Encouraging Self Discipline • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 111 Supporting the Growth and Education of Parents • 1 cr.
• ECD 112 Enhancing Family Involvement • 1 cr.
• ECD 120 Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 128 Incorporating the Children's Culture • 1 cr.
• ECD 129 Planning and Implementing a Bilingual Program • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• ECD 198 Internship (Early Childhood Management) • 1 cr.
• ECD 200 Introduction to Early Childhood Education • 3 cr.
• ECD 201 Exploring Early Childhood Program Philosophies • 1 cr.
• ECD 211 Providing Food and Nutrition Services • 1 cr.
• ECD 231 Planning and Managing an Early Childhood Program • 2 cr.
• ECD 232 Designing Indoor and Outdoor Environments • 2 cr.
• ECD 233 Developing Policies and Procedures for Early Childhood Programs • 2 cr.
• ECD 234 Staffing an Early Childhood Program • 2 cr.
• ECD 235 Budgeting and Financial Management • 2 cr.
• ECD 236 Marketing the Early Childhood Program • 2 cr.
• ECD 237 Evaluating an Early Childhood Program • 1 cr.
• ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.

Required Electives • 13 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

Special Needs

Core Requirements • 43 cr.

• ECD 100 Providing a Healthy Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 101 The Child's Total Learning Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 103 Planned Arrangements and Schedules • 1 cr.
• ECD 105 Guidance Principles for Encouraging Self Discipline • 1 cr.
• ECD 108 Techniques for Observing Children • 1 cr.
• ECD 110 Building Relationships With Parents Through Communication • 1 cr.
• ECD 112 Enhancing Family Involvement • 1 cr.
• ECD 113 Fostering Communication and Language Skills • 1 cr.
• ECD 114 Beginning Mathematical Concepts • 1 cr.
• ECD 115 Nutrition in Early Childhood • 1 cr.
• ECD 116 Sciencing and Discovery • 1 cr.
• ECD 117 Enhancing Questions and Problem-Solving Abilities • 1 cr.
• ECD 118 Blocks in Early Childhood Program • 1 cr.
• ECD 120 Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept • 1 cr.
• ECD 123 Music and Creative Movement • 1 cr.
• ECD 124 Dramatic Play in Early Childhood Setting • 1 cr.
• ECD 125 Creative Media • 1 cr.
• ECD 126 Large Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 127 Small Muscle Development • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• ECD 175 Professionalism • 1 cr.
• ECD 200 Introduction to Early Childhood Education • 3 cr.
• ECD 216 Transitions • 1 cr.
• ECD 222 Young Children With Special Needs • 3 cr.
• ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• EDU 202 Occupational/Physical Therapy Educational Assistant • 3 cr.
• EDU 198 Internship (Occupational/Physical Therapy) • 1 cr.
• EDU 203 Speech Therapy Educational Assistant • 3 cr.
• EDU 198 Internship (Speech Therapy) • 1 cr.
• LAN 160 Beginning American Sign Language • 3 cr.

Required Electives • 5 Cr.

In addition, a minimum of 22 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 6 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299s may be included in the selection of the 22 credits.

Certificates of Applied Science

To complete a Certificate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development a student must complete the core requirements, ENL 101, and one of the following: MAT 103, MAT 105, MAT 112, MAT 142, MAT 152, MAT 161 OR MAT 162.

To complete a Certificate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Special Needs, a student must complete ENL 101 and one of the following MAT credits: MAT 103, MAT 105, MAT 112, MAT 142, MAT 152, MAT 161, MAT 162 and one of the following:

• Certificate of Proficiency (see below for courses in COP) • 16 cr.
• ECD 200 Introduction to Early Childhood Education • 3 cr.
• ECD 250 Child Development I • 3 cr.
• Required Electives** • 4 cr.

**4 unduplicated credits must be selected as electives. One-half credit to 4 credits of ECD/EDU/HUS 199s and 299's may be included in the selection of the 4 credits.

Certificate of Proficiency • 16 cr.

• ECD 102 Ensuring a Safe Environment • 1 cr.
• ECD 136 Understanding How Children Learn • 1 cr.
• ECD 222 Young Children With Special Needs • 3 cr.
• EDU 202 Occupational/Physical Therapy Educational Assistant • 3 cr.
• EDU 198 Internship (Occupational/Physical Therapy) • 1 cr.
• EDU 203 Speech Therapy Educational Assistant • 3 cr.
• EDU 198 Internship (Speech Therapy) • 1 cr.
• LAN 160 Beginning American Sign Language • 3 cr.

Certificate of Proficiency • 26 cr.

To complete a Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Infant/Toddler, Preschool, School Age or Family Care, a student must complete the 26-credit core requirements in the area of specializatioin.