Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree

Career Description

The Early Childhood Education Associate of Science Transfer Pathway (A.S.P.) degree meets current standards for step 9 on the Achieve, MN Center for Professional Development, career lattice. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in an independent/lead role at childcare centers, Head Start programs, school districts, preschools, family childcare and after school programs while laying the foundation for all additional early childhood career and degree pathways. MN state licensing Rule 2 and Rule 3 may determine qualifications based on site/employer. Individual program hiring standards may vary according to community and county. The Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway degree is transferable to numerous participating Minnesota State Universities offering Birth through Third grade teacher education and licensure programs throughout the state.

Program Information

The Early Childhood Education Associate of Science Transfer Pathway (A.S.P.) degree prepares individuals to provide healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for children ages birth to age 8 in support of healthy communities and families. The program guides students to utilize reflective practice and intentional teaching strategies through readings, online videos and discussions, and lab/field experiences. Students will apply child development theory and developmentally appropriate practice using reflective, diverse, teaching and guidance strategies that address the needs of children, families, and communities. Enjoy hands-on experiences while participating in lab/field experiences embedded within select courses throughout all degree options, access to latest research, and convenience of online learning. The A.S.P. degree has Fall and Spring start dates along with full and part time enrollment options.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Integrate child development theory with appropriate practice in early care and education settings;
• Plan, prepare, and implement effective instruction;
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communications with families, coworkers, agencies, and early childhood partners;
• Incorporate and demonstrate diverse teaching and guidance strategies appropriate to addressing the needs of children and families;
• Plan, prepare, and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities to nurture cognitive, physical, language, social and emotional development;
• Recognize the importance of play to healthy child development and incorporate play based learning into early childhood environments;
• Demonstrate the skills of observation and record keeping of child development and learning;
• Apply professional behavior in daily work with children, families, co-workers and the community;
• Create and consistently maintain an appropriate, safe, healthy learning environment for children; and
• Recognize ethical, legal and professional responsibilities.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Admissions

The Early Childhood Education program requires students to pass a Minnesota background check to participate in all of the field experiences and internships. In addition, CLC is a member of E-LECT (e-learning for early childhood teachers), which offers an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) and associate of science pathway (A.S.P.) degree online. Talk with an advisor for more details.

Transfer Opportunities

The Early Childhood Education Associate of Science Transfer Pathway is transferable to numerous participating Minnesota State Universities offering Birth through Third grade teacher education and licensure programs throughout the state.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to work as a teacher in child care centers, Head Start programs, paraprofessionals, preschools, family childcare and after school programs. It also prepares for work as a Food Program Monitor, RBPD (Relationship-based Professional Development) Specialist, Home Visitor, and Achieve Trainer I.

Career Titles

This program will help students prepare for a wide range of careers, including the following: Early Head Start Teacher, Food Program Monitor, RBPD (Relationship-based Professional Development) Specialist, Home Visitor, Achieve Trainer I, Public School Paraprofessional or Teacher’s Aide, School Age Childcare Provider.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
http://www.iseek.org/jobs/jobmarket.html