Early Childhood Education
College of Rural Alaska
Bristol Bay Campus (907) 842-5109
Chukchi Campus (907) 442-3400
Interior-Aleutians Campus (907) 474-5207
Kuskokwim Campus (907) 543-4500
Northwest Campus (907) 443-2201
Tanana Valley Campus (907) 455-2883
Certificate; A.A.S. Degree
Minimum Requirements for Certificate: 30 credits; for Degree: 60 credits
This program prepares students for employment as early childhood and child care providers and improves the skills of those already employed in the field. Graduates pursue opportunities with child care centers, head start programs, early childhood education programs, child welfare service agencies, scouting services, staff training, program licensing and public school teacher aide programs. This program meets standards specified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and leads to state certification as an Early Childhood Education Associate II.
The certification program in early childhood is for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire retraining for employment in this field. Through course work, students gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue the field-based Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and to meet state of Alaska requirements for employment as directors or teachers in licensed centers. Course work also fulfills minor or concentration requirements for degrees in other disciplines.
Students entering either the A.A.S. degree or certificate program should meet with an advisor to discuss a specific course of study. The required early childhood courses offered by any of the UAF campus sites may be used to meet graduation requirements for the certificate or degree.
An agreement between the UAF College of Rural Alaska and the University of Alaska Southeast allows students to take courses in early childhood education and obtain an A.A.S. degree via distance delivery. Students should contact their advisor for assistance with the selection of general education courses and electives that meet the degree requirements of their campus.
- Complete the general university requirements.
- Complete the following certificate requirements:
a. Complete 1 of the following communication courses:
ENGL 111X—Introduction to Academic Writing 3 credits
COMM 131X—Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Group Context 3 credits
COMM 141X—Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Public Context 3 credits
b. Complete 1 of the following computation courses:
CIOS 116—Business Math Using Calculators 3 credits
Any MATH course at the 100-level or above 3 credits
c. Complete the following human relations course:
ECE 245—Child Development 3 credits
- Complete the following:
ECE 110—Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments (3)
or ECE 112—Healthy Learning Environment for Young Children (1)
and ECE 113—Safe Environment for Young Children (1)
and ECE 114—Learning Environment for Young Children (1) 3 credits
ECE 120—Curriculum and Activities for Young Children (4)
or ECE 121—Physical Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 122—Cognitive Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 123—Language and Literature Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 124—Creative Activities for Young Children (1) 4 credits
ECE 140—Positive Social Development (3)
or ECE 141—Class Management (1)
and ECE 142—Social Development of the Young Child (1)
and ECE 143—Developing Positive Self-Concepts in Young Children (1) 3 credits
ECE 170—Practicum I* (3)
or ECE 171—Program Management (1)
and ECE 172—Professionalism (1)
and ECE 170—Practicum I* (1) 3 credits
ECE 205—Overview of Early Childhood Profession 3 credits
ECE 221—Young Child and the Family 1 credit
ECE electives approved by advisor 4 credits
- Minimum credits required 30
* Students holding a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) may enroll in ECE 170—Practicum I for 1 credit. Students without a CDA must enroll for 3 credits.
- Complete the general university requirements.
- Complete the A.A.S. degree requirements.
- Complete the following:*
ECE 110—Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments (3)
or ECE 112—Healthy Learning Environment for Young Children (1)
and ECE 113—Safe Environment for Young Children (1)
and ECE 114—Learning Environment for Young Children (1) 3 credits
ECE 120—Curriculum and Activities for Young Children (4)
or ECE 121—Physical Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 122—Cognitive Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 123—Language and Literature Activities for Young Children (1)
and ECE 124—Creative Activities for Young Children (1) 4 credits
ECE 130—Culture, Learning and the Young Child 2 credits
ECE 140—Positive Social Development (3)
or ECE 141—Class Management (1)
and ECE 142—Social Development of the Young Child (1)
and ECE 143—Developing Positive Self-Concepts in Young Children (1) 3 credits
ECE 170—Practicum I** (3)
or ECE 171—Program Management (1)
and ECE 172—Professionalism (1)
and ECE 170—Practicum I** (1) 3 credits
ECE 205—Overview of Early Childhood Profession 3 credits
ECE 210—Child Guidance 3 credits
ECE 220—Infant and Toddler Care 2 credits
ECE 221—Young Child and the Family 1 credit
ECE 230—Introduction to Children with Special Needs 3 credits
ECE 245—Child Development 3 credits
Electives approved by advisor 15 credits
- Minimum credits required 60
* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
** Students holding a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) may enroll in ECE 170—Practicum I for 1 credit. Students without a CDA must enroll for 3 credits.
Minor
- Complete the following:
ECE 110—Safety, Health and Learning Environments 3 credits
ECE 120—Curriculum and Activities for Young Children 4 credits
ECE 130—Culture, Learning and the Young Child 2
ECE 140—Positive Social Development 3 credits
ECE 245—Child Development 3 credits
Complete 1 upper-division ECE elective 3 credits
- Minimum credits required 18