Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Launch your education when you earn your Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. Take the first steps toward qualifying for potential opportunities in daycare and preschools.

Degree Focus
The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education is your first step in building a foundation for success in the world of childcare. You will focus on important topics in early childhood, such as: development, learning assessment, special learners, and instructional strategy.

Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program will be able to:

• Construct and evaluate curriculum designed to meet the differentiated academic, social and developmental needs of young children in alignment with the NAEYC and NCATE standards;
• Effectively utilize and evaluate assessment information as both formative and summative to inform and adapt instruction;
• Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of instructional strategies and behavioral techniques to address the developmental needs of various ages of young children in a structured setting;
• Identify knowledge of the unique needs of special learners and adapt curriculum and instruction to meet these needs; and
• Identify the stages of language, physical and social development in children ages birth to eight.

Program Requirements

• Completion of Ashford University general education requirements, including competencies
• Completion of 67 credits with a cumulative 2.00 GPA. You must earn a minimum of 18 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

Upon completion of your Associate's degree at Ashford, you can transfer your credits towards earning any one of Ashford's Bachelor degrees.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability

• Credits with grade of C- or above from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college or university.
• A maximum of 46 semester credits of combined nontraditional learning and transfer credits from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college or university.
• A maximum of 30 semester credits can be transferred through any combination of military, National Testing Programs and non-collegiate instruction with ACE credit recommendation.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
You will appreciate that Ashford offers one of the lowest tuition rates available online. Your tuition is $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Take the first step toward breaking in to the world of childcare when you embark on your Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Within this 67-credit program, you'll complete general education requirements that you may then transfer toward a Bachelor's degree with Ashford University.

Introductory Courses

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

* EXP 105 and PSY 202 are required as core courses in the major and must be taken by all Associate of Arts students.

Core Course Requirements

ENG 121 Composition I
The course is designed to enable students to develop competence in analyzing, organizing, and developing ideas; to locate and use library resources for supporting ideas; and, to adapt one's writing to various audiences. Instruction and practice in writing and critical reading is a focus in this course.

ENG 122 Composition II
This course provides instruction and practice in writing effective expository and persuasive essays. The techniques for doing research and writing research papers are explored. Attention is given to the development of library research skills.

COM 200 Interpersonal Communication
This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns between people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, and the nature of those interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. A primary goal of the course is to improve the quality of students' communication in their personal and professional relationships.

INF 103 Computer Literacy
This course is a study of personal computer applications and the Internet as information processing tools in business and academic environments. Students will explore the World Wide Web, learn basic computer concepts, and use productivity tools to create text documents, spreadsheets, and presentation graphics with the Microsoft Office applications.

HIS 103 World Civilizations I
This course is a study of the origins and development of the world's major civilizations from their beginnings through the seventeenth century. Emphasis is placed on the salient socio-economic, political and religious characters of the civilization and the patterns of interaction among them.

ART 101 Art Appreciation
A survey course providing an overview of the history of Western Art and the principles of art as they relate to society. Students are encouraged to discover personal interests through their own research on historical or contemporary styles and themes in art.

ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of fiction, poetry and drama. Emphasis is on reading literature to perceive the techniques used in each genre, to understand the basic theoretical approaches to literature, to acquire the vocabulary associated with literary criticism, and to analyze and evaluate literature.

ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education including history, philosophy, advocacy, public policy, issues, trends, and careers.

POL 201 American National Government
A survey of government at the national level. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional basis of American government, federalism, the sources and forms of political behavior, the operation of the three branches of government, and the making of national policy.

SCI 207 Dependence of Man on the Environment (4 credits)
In this course learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore the physical, biological and ecological principles, how human alterations affect the environment, reflect on the controversies surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

PHI 103 Informal Logic
This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined.

PED 212 Foundations of Movement & Motor Activities
Students will examine integrated movement curriculum and the relationship between knowledge, motor skills, and movement activities. Activities will lead to understanding of how the body is used during fundamental motor skills and the progression to more advanced movement. Emphasis is on the study of human movement and the development of motor skills which enhance health related physical fitness. Movement concepts of body awareness, space, and quality of movement are defined. Fundamental movement skills are analyzed and used as a basis for planning physical education coursework.

MAT 221 Introduction to Algebra
This course establishes a strong base for an Algebraic exploration of mathematical topics. Student understanding is built up through learning the basics of real numbers and Algebra terminology, writing, solving, and graphing equations, and manipulating polynomials through various operations. Students will develop a familiarity and ease of working with the language and notation of Algebra while learning to think logically through algorithms and solving methods. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of the use of mathematics as it exists in the world today.

MAT 222 Intermediate Algebra
In this course students will explore a wider range of Algebra topics beyond the introductory level. Topics will include polynomials, functions, rational expressions, systems of equations and inequalities, operations with radicals, and quadratic equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of the use of mathematics as it exists in the world today. Prerequisite: MAT 221 or equivalent.

ECE 201 Introduction to Early Childhood Behavior Management
This course will address age appropriate behavior expectations for classrooms and ideas for supporting student learning. Motivation theory, positive reinforcement and behavior support plans will be covered. Major theories of behavior will be considered as they relate to educational settings.

ECE 203 Introduction to Curriculum & Instruction for the Early Childhood Classroom
Designing and implementing effective instruction for young children is not a simple task. Students will learn the theory behind various instructional strategies to support student engagement and learning. Curriculum design and planning as well as assessment of student learning will be supported through this course.

ECE 205 Introduction to Child Development
An overview of child development from birth to age eight will be covered in this course. Specific developmental milestones related to language, physical and social development. The significance of these developmental milestones as related to educational planning will be discussed.

SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility
This course introduces the basic ethical concepts and explores philosophic perspectives for understanding the meaning of social responsibility. Topics include ethical theories, the role of government, the role of corporations, environmental issues, and ethical integrity

PHI 208 Ethics & Moral Reasoning
This course explores key philosophical concepts from an ethical perspective. Students will analyze selected assertions of knowledge and the methods of reasoning humans use to justify these claims. Through research into theories of science and religion, as well as the theoretical and empirical challenges these institutions of thought face, students will also investigate how the mind constructs and understands reality. This will provide a foundation for an exploration into questions of morality, in which students will look at traditional and contemporary ethical theories, and apply these theories to contemporary moral issues.

ELL 240 Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Learners
This course explores strategies and techniques to support the success of language and culturally diverse students. The values, customs, and communication styles of cultural groups and their implication for teaching are considered. Research-based instructional approaches to developing English learner literacy will be examined.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.