Early Childhood Education, AA

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education prepares students for meaningful work with young children in early care settings, preschools, daycare centers, and other early learning environments - or as a foundation for further study in education. Through a combination of general education and specialized coursework, this program builds both academic understanding and hands-on knowledge of child development, teaching methods, curriculum design, and inclusive classroom practices. Students develop the skills to support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of young children in diverse and caring environments. This program does not lead to an Ohio teaching license.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of child development, design developmentally appropriate curricula and teaching practices, and exhibit professional dispositions and ethical practice appropriate to early childhood education.
• Students will understand and apply skills in writing, listening, speaking, information fluency, digital literacy, quantitative reasoning, recognizing diverse neighbors in social-historical contexts, and collaboration in ways that align with the commands to love God and neighbor
• Students will demonstrate appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the created world (including humans as created in the image of God) and of human artistic creations in visual art, music, and/or literature while engaging in the creative process
• Students will discern options for both callings and career pathways, articulate how Christian ethics guides those life callings and careers, and grow in virtues that align with Christian vocation
• Students will demonstrate knowledge and love of self and of their diverse neighbors