Early Childhood Education

Click here for Plan of Study Form in PDF format 

Associate in Science
Program Coordinator: Sheila Skahan - 860-383-5252

This 64 credit program is designed to provide education and experiences as a basis for employment in the field of early childhood working  with children ages 0-8 and/or as a two-year educational foundation for students wishing to transfer to a four/five-year teaching certification program. This program prepares students to work in early care and education settings including child care, public school paraprofessionals (K-2) and related human service agencies. Our courses also address the needs of individuals already employed in the area of early education to enhance their professional competence and depth of knowledge. The goal of the plan is to create an "accessible pathway for career mobility for early childhood educators." The plan will award a minimum of 18 credits in early childhood education., 3-6 credits in child growth and development and a minimum of 30 credits in General Education. TRCC currently has working relationships with the following colleges: ECSU, SCSU, University of Hartford, Mitchell College, St. Joseph College, Charter Oak State College and The University of Connecticut: Human Development and Family Relations major.
NOTE: To meet state articulation requirements, transfer students must take the following courses: Science: must be a laboratory science; Math: must be MAT* K136 or higher; History must be HIS* K201; Open: Computer Science course recommended. Transfer students must have a 2.7 GPA and pass the state mandated skills examination (PRAXIS I) or have an SAT score of 1000, with neither the subtest below 400 points from any test administration on or prior to March 31, 1995, or 1100 or more with no less than 450 on either the verbal or the mathematics subtests from the test administrations on or after April 1, 1995 or higher before they can be admitted into a university education program. Special Education degree students must take ECE* K101 and ECE* K222 to meet transfer requirements.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CURRICULUM

°Course has a prerequisite. Students should check course description.

Early Childhood Education, Associate in Science Degree
Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. promote child development and learning by knowing young children's needs and understanding the multiple influences on development and learning.
2. demonstrate an understanding of a variety of current and historical, philosophical and theoretical approaches to early childhood education.
3. build participation of families and communities in the learning and development of children.
4. understand the goals, benefits and uses of observing, documenting and assessing to support young children and families.
5. know, understand and use supportive interactions to focus on the children's needs and intersts and to build effective environments and routines for children.
6. understand the central concepts of content knowledge in early education and academic disciplines.
7. build meaningful curriculum using own knowledge and resources to design and implement problem-solving, creative thinking, academic and social competence.
8. identify and involve oneself with the professional early childhood field by upholding ethical standards and engaging in informed advocacy for children and the profession.