Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood program at UAA blends theory and practice in the preparation of early childhood educators who can deliver quality care and education for young children from birth through age eight.
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development
Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.Program Overview
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 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 advisor when making course selections to pursue this type of credit transfer.
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.
Advising
Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For program advising, contact Dr. Hilary Seitz at 907-786-4872 or hjseitz@alaska.edu.
Early Childhood Education Faculty
| Name | Title | Program/Department | UA Email Address | Phone | Office |
| Kitty Deal, Ph.D. | Associate Professor | Education Kodiak College KOC |
kldeal@alaska.edu | 907-486-1223 | KCC123B |
| Wei-Ying Hsiao, Ed.D | Professor | Early Childhood Education | whsiao@alaska.edu | 907-786-4435 | PSB 225C |
| Hilary Seitz, Ph.D. | Professor | Early Childhood Education | hjseitz@alaska.edu | 907-786-4872 | PSB 225D |