Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education Degree
For students just beginning coursework toward teacher certification in Maryland, this degree provides a clear transfer pathway to the education programs at any college or university in Maryland. This curriculum provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to an early childhood education or special education program at a four-year college or university in the state of Maryland. The program enables students to fulfill their general education requirements and complete a core of professional education coursework required for the first two years of teacher preparation. To earn the AAT students must either achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA or achieve a 2.75 - 2.99 cumulative GPA along with presenting acceptable scores on a state-approved basic skills test.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning and apply the theories and principles to their classroom teaching.
- Identify the policies, issues, trends, and historical events in the field of early childhood education.
- Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way to positively influence children's learning and development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of supporting and empowering families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
- Demonstrate knowledge of content areas and apply developmentally appropriate approaches to enhance children's learning and development.
- Identify and explain the models of classroom and behavior management.
- Identify strategies for working and advocating for families of culturally and linguistically diverse students and students with disabilities in order to facilitate a child's educational program.
- Analyze and reflect upon teaching practices for the purpose of improving and differentiating instruction for students.
- Identify community resources serving students with special needs and their families.
- Identify and conduct themselves as early childhood professionals who use ethical guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young Children standards related to early childhood practice, and who are advocates for sound educational practices and policies.
- Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which will allow them to effectively make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all education transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include elementary school teacher, grades pre-K through 3rd grade, educational diagnostician, rehabilitation counselor, education administrator, guidance counselor, family counselor, childcare director, and childcare teacher.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 130 - Elements of Mathematics I: Mathematical Reasoning and Number Systems 4 semester hours (MATF)
- EDUC 119 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 semester hours
- PSYC 100 - General Psychology 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- ENGL 102 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- BIOL 101 - General Biology 4 semester hours
- EDUC 135 - Child Growth and Development 3 semester hours
- HIST 200 - History of the United States, a Survey Course: from Colonial Times to 1865 3 semester hours (HUMD) **
-
OR
- HIST 201 - History of the United States, a Survey Course: from 1865 to the Present 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- MATH 131 - Elements of Mathematics II: Geometry and Algebra 4 semester hours
Third Semester
- EDUC 136 - Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 201 - Introduction to Special Education 3 semester hours
- GEOG 130 - Global Geography 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- MATH 132 - Elements of Mathematics III: Probability, Statistics, and Problem Solving 4 semester hours
- PSCI 101 - Physical Science I 4 semester hours (NSND)
Fourth Semester
- EDUC 243 - Processes and Acquisition of Literacy 3 semester hours
- HLTH 125 - Personalized Health Fitness 3 semester hours (GEIR)
- ISTD 173 - Integrated Arts 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- PSCI 102 - Physical Science II 4 semester hours
- Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (GEIR) ‡
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102, or elective.
‡ Select ENGL literature course. (ENGL 190 recommended)
** Students planning to transfer to University of Maryland--College Park should select HIST 200.
Related Programs and Courses
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Find more information on WDCE courses in promoting literacy and numeracy concepts with young children, meeting the educational requirements for operating a family and center-based child care facility, earning clock hours and CEUs for training and licensing requirements, and preparing for applying for a CDA credential.
