Early Childhood Educator (ECAS1)
Award: Associate in applied science degree
Program location: Learning Community of North Omaha
This degree prepares students for employment as a head teacher or director in a variety of early childhood education settings in the state of Nebraska. Learning opportunities are centered on curriculum planning, knowledge of child development (typical and atypical), family and community relationships, positive behavioral support and appropriate behavioral management, observation and assessment, language and literacy, health and nutrition, and environmental planning. The courses provide a variety of field and clinical experiences to help the student be more prepared for teaching in the classroom. Practicum courses include requirements for working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-agers, in addition to the student's age choice for the final student teaching practicum.
Individuals who are considering going into the field of early childhood education should be aware that checks with the Adult and child Abuse Registries are conducted before employment is offered. Such checks are also done on individuals enrolled in practicum courses. This practice is consistent with Nebraska state statutes. Updated Nebraska licensing regulations require students working directly with children to have a current criminal background check. These two checks must be completed before a student can engage in any field or clinical experience within any ECED program class.
All courses in the Early Childhood Education program require a minimum of four field and/or clinical experience hours within early childhood education settings except for ECED 1220, ECED 1221, ECED 1222, ECED 1240, ECED 1241, and ECED 2090 or ECED 2091.
Graduation Requirements
|
General education
|
31.5
|
|
Major requirements
|
75.0
|
|
Total credit hours required
|
106.5
|
General education requirements (31.5 credit hrs.)
Communications
| | English level I | 4.5 credits |
| | English level II | 4.5 credits |
Social sciences
| PSYC 1120 | Human Growth and Development | 4.5 credits |
| | Social sciences | 4.5 credits |
Quantitative/numeracy skills
Select one course from the following:
Students planning to transfer to a four-year program should select
MATH 1310.
Additional
Major requirements for Early Childhood Educator (75.0 credit hrs.)
| ECED 1050 | Expressive Arts | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1060 | Observation, Assessment, and Guidance | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1110 | Infant and Toddler Development | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1120 | Preschool Child Development | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1150 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1160 | Early Language and Literacy | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1220 | Prepracticum | 1.5 credits |
| ECED 1221 | Infant Practicum | 1.5 credits |
| ECED 1222 | Toddler Practicum | 1.5 credits |
| ECED 1230 | School-Age Child Development and Programming | 3.0 credits |
| ECED 1240 | Preschool-Age Practicum | 1.5 credits |
| ECED 1241 | School-Age Practicum | 1.5 credits |
| ECED 1260 | Children's Health and Nutrition | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2050 | Children with Exceptionalities | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2060 | Early Childhood Education Curriculum Planning | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2061 | Child Guidance Techniques | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2070 | Family and Community Relationships | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2090 | Early Childhood Student Teaching Practicum | 6.0 credits |
| | OR | |
| ECED 2091 | Early Childhood Administrative Practicum | 6.0 credits |
| ECED 2095 | Current Topics in Early Childhood Education | 4.5 credits |
| ECED 2450 | Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs | 4.5 credits |
Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution need to select from the general education transfer course options and see and maintain regular contact with an ECED faculty advisor.
This program is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which means it was required to meet high standards in the preparation of early childhood education employees.
See Curriculum Plan