Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
This degree is designed to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of early child care and educational settings as teachers, family child care providers or nannies. Persons working in this profession provide a healthy, safe and developmentally appropriate environment in support of families. Students learn how to plan age appropriate activities which recognize the diversity of children and families. This degree expands the student's knowledge of child development in areas of communication, writing and developmental skills. Many employers recognize the benefit from this extensive training and require a degree of the employees at the teacher level. This award will transfer to select other institutions towards a Bachelors Degree.
Award Outcomes
Develop self-reflective habits as an early childhood professional.
Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices.
Apply developmental theories and practices.
Implement assessment and curriculum cycle.
Cultivate family and community relationships.
Develop an environment that honors diversity.
Career Opportunities
Job opportunities are available in child care centers, special needs programs, in home care (nanny), family child care, schoolage care, recreational and parent/child programs. Upon completion of an articulated bachelor's degree, there are expanded opportunities in early childhood programs, as well as the ability to teach through third grade in public school systems.
Program Requirements
Technical Studies Required 30 Credits
| CDEV1000 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDEV1010 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV1020 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| CDEV1030 | Creative Activities and Environments | 3 |
| CDEV1520 | Guiding Children’s Behavior | 3 |
| CDEV1530 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV1725 | Practicum I | 3 |
| CDEV2000 | Children with Differing Abilities | 3 |
| CDEV2075 | Working with Diverse Families and Children | 3 |
| CDEV2500 | Introduction to Language and Literacy | 3 |
General Education Required 30 Credits
General Education Elective 0 Credits
Technical Studies Elective 0 Credits
Total Associate of Science Credits 60
Semester Sequence
Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
First Semester
| CDEV1000 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDEV1010 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV1020 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| CDEV1030 | Creative Activities and Environments | 3 |
| ENGL2121 | Writing and Research | 4 |
Fourth Semester
| CDEV1725 | Practicum I | 3 |
| CDEV2075 | Working with Diverse Families and Children | 3 |
| CDEV2500 | Introduction to Language and Literacy | 3 |
| | |
| SOCI2200 | Racial and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| or | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 7 | 3 |
| | |
| Choose 3 credits from MnTC Goal Area 6 or 8 | 3 |
MnTC Goal Area 6
Choose a Total of: 3 Credits
MnTC Goal Area 7
Choose a Total of: 3 Credits
MnTC Goal Area 8
Choose a Total of: 3 Credits
Graduation (60 Credits)
60 credits completed with a 2.8 GPA or better
Criminal Background Studies: Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with children, patients, and residents at a health or child care facility licensed by the State of Minnesota must have a background study conducted by the state. Individuals with specified felony convictions are prohibited from having direct contact with children, patients, and residents of licensed facilities. Anyone refusing to cooperate in the criminal background study cannot participate in coursework that requires direct contact with children, patients or residents. Students who are disqualified from having direct patient/resident/child contact will not be able to participate in coursework which includes a practical experience. Therefore, completion of coursework for the program major will not be possible without documentation of a cleared background study.
Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice
6/12/2018 : BP 7008 / EP 7009