The Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education Technology prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to implement developmentally appropriate practices as they relate to each child's development. Students who wish to pursue this degree program must possess a commitment to valuing all children, regardless of ability or background. In addition, they must have the ability to work with the child's home and community.

In addition to course requirements for the major, students must complete training in ALICE, Child Safety and CPR/AED before student teaching. Graduates of the degree program are eligible to apply for pre-kindergarten licensure through the State of Ohio. Graduates will be qualified for job positions as teachers, teacher assistants, child caregivers and family child-care providers in a variety of settings, including child-care centers, early intervention programs, hospitals, Head Start programs, home-based early childhood programs, private schools and public preschool and special needs programs.

In addition, the coursework for the program is fully applicable to the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) degree in Early Childhood Education, from which graduates are eligible to apply for Ohio licensure to teach children in preschool to grade three. Completion of the associate degree does not guarantee admission to the bachelor's degree. Admission to the B.S.E. degree is selective.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate skills in self-assessment, reflection and self-advocacy; mastery and application of foundational concepts from general education; written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrate the ability to make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning. Identify and use professional resources.
• Integrate reflective and critical self-assessment with one’s own practice in early education.
• Develop an awareness of and engage in informed advocacy for children and families.
• Understand and value family and community characteristics in order to enhance curriculum and family partnerships. Support self-advocacy of the families in their communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
• Understand young children’s typical and atypical developmental characteristics and needs. Understand the multiple influences on child development and learning. Use knowledge of child development to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.
• Understand and develop positive relationships and supportive interactions with children and their families. Understand and practice positive interpersonal communication with all constituencies involved in the education, development and care of young children.
• Understand the goals, benefits and appropriate uses of various informal and formal assessment tools and approaches. Understand and practice responsible assessment.
• Understand the importance of core knowledge in the academic disciplines and how this relates to the education, development and care of young children.
• Demonstrate professionalism by becoming knowledgeable about opportunities and resources for professional growth and development and by becoming actively involved in the profession. Understand and uphold confidentiality, ethical standards and other professional and regulatory guidelines. Engage in ongoing, collaborative relationships to enhance one’s own learning and practice.
• Use own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum to promote positive learning outcomes for all children of varying abilities.