Associate Degree

College_of_Education(11)
Associate Degree

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development (AAS-ECD) is a terminal degree.  This will qualify students as a lead teacher in a childcare setting, a position as director or teacher in a pre-school, or as an aide in public school kindergarten or primary grades. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, those holding an AAS degree are deemed “highly qualified” as public school aides. In 2005, positions requiring this degree greatly exceeded the numbers of qualified people; therefore, having an AAS degree gives students an excellent advantage in the job market.

The Associate of Applied Science Early Childhood Development requires a total of 61 credit hours:

  • 30 are General Education and Elective credits
  • 31 are Early Childhood Development credits
  • 6 credits of Practicum (two semesters, two unique settings, two age groups)

The focus of the degree is understanding child development, strengthening observation abilities and developing skills working with young children. In addition, this program will familiarize students with resources for continuing professional growth, and provide opportunities to discuss best practice with others in the field.

The philosophy of the AAS-ECD program is constructivist. The department believes that children build their understanding of the world by interacting with objects and activities, with adults and with other children. We also believe that adults learn best by interacting with other adults in discussion, experimentation, and reflection. Students are asked to stretch their thinking and share their experience with other students in the program.

Careful selection of elective courses will allow the AAS student to apply up to 45 credits to the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood (BAEC). Please work closely with an Early Childhood adviser to pursue this type of credit transfer when making course selections.

Students who want to increase their understanding and excitement about working with young children, meet municipality child care licensing requirements, or complete a degree are encouraged to speak with any Early Childhood Faculty member. There is much to be gained from university study.

For a listing of required courses and more details, please download the AAS information packet from the COE admissions page.

Advising
Contact the Office of Student Engagement at 907-786-4401

Go to Degree Works to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Early Childhood Associate Information Packet
 

Forms

Form Name Description
Release of Information Muni of Anchorage ROI for classes placing students in an agency setting, paperwork to be sent to the MUNI.

 

Faculty and Staff

Name Title Phone Office
Dr. Robert Capuozzo Co-Chair, Department of Teaching and Learning; Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education 786-4327 PSB 225D
Kitty Deal Assistant Professor, Education 486-1223 UAA - Kodiak Campus / KCC 123B
Bonny Headley Term Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education 786-4464 PSB 225F
Karen Roth Term Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education 786-1928 PSB 225A
Dr. Hilary Seitz Associate Dean 786-4872 PSB 234H