Early Childhood Associate in Arts Transfer Pathway Level II, Gateways to Opportunity Credential
Total Program Credits: 60
(formerly ECE/Transfer Pathway, Level II Gateways to Opportunity (AA Degree emphasis)
The Early Childhood Associates in Arts Transfer Pathway Level II, Gateways to Opportunity Credential is designed for students interested in entering the Early Childhood Education Field or students currently employed within the field seeking to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and State Licensure. Students will be introduced to foundational concepts and best practices in the areas of: child development, curriculum and instruction, health, safety and nutrition, guidance and classroom management, diversity and inclusion, and observation, documentation and assessment. In addition to an Associate’s in Art, this pathway will also lead to a Gateways to Opportunity Level II Early Childhood Credential. This pathway is designed with stackable course offerings so students can progress within the credentialing system and obtain more advanced certificates and degrees.
Field experiences/observation hours are a requirement for all ECE courses.
General education requirements may vary among four-year institutions. Check with intended transfer institution for specific general education requirements.
All program courses may not transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Stackable Certificate:
Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level II Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level II Credential
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Associate in Arts Degree (Early Childhood Associate in Arts
Transfer Pathway, Level II, Gateways to Opportunity Credential) emphasis, the graduate will be able to:
- Recognize Developmentally Appropriate Practice in all aspects of curriculum and instruction; design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students.
- Describe the developmental characteristics and needs of children birth through age eight.
- Utilize observation methods to document and assess young children in all areas of development.
- Identify approaches to creating respectful and reciprocal relationship with children and their families.
- Create classroom environments that promote respect and acceptance for human diversity.
- Recognize professional practices that are aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct.
(Fall 2023)
Stackable Degree(s)/Certificate(s): The Level II Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential is embedded in the program.
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| ECE 110 ◊ Early Child Development | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 111 ◊ Introduction to Early Childhood Education | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| HIS 151 ◊ History of the United States to 1877 | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| HIS 152 ◊ History of the United States Since 1877 | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| | | |
| PSY 100 ◊ Introduction to Psychology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| RHT 101 ◊ # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events. |
Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.
| ANT 103 ◊ Cultural Anthropology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| LIT 170 Introduction to Children's Literature | Humanities Gen-ed | 3 |
| | | |
| MAT 102 ◊ # Liberal Arts Mathematics | Mathematics Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| Take Other General Education Mathematics Course | Mathematics Gen-ed | 3 |
| | | |
| RHT 102 ◊ # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition II | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Take Credits Physical Science | Physical Science Gen-ed | 4 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 16 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. |
Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.
| ART 110 ◊ Looking at Art | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| ART 111 ◊ Ancient to Medieval Art | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| ART 112 ◊ Renaissance to Modern Art | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| ART 114 ◊ Survey of Asian Art | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| | | |
| MUS 104 ◊ Music in America | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| MUS 110 ◊ Listening to Music | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| MUS 215 ◊ Introduction to Music History | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| | | |
| ECE 146 ◊ Child, Family & Community | Core Course | 2 |
| ECE 153 ◊ Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom | Core Course | 1 |
| SPE 101 ◊ # Principles of Effective Speaking | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Take Credits Life Science | Life Science Gen-ed | 4 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 17 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop.
GECC Credential Achieved. |
| ECE 118 ◊ # Health, Nutrition & Safety | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 142 ◊ # Students With Disabilities in School | Core Course | 3 |
| Take Credits Program Electives | Program Elective | 6 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your transfer plan.
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabi.)
Apply to your transfer institution(s). |
Note: May take either Program Electives from the list below or Other Suggested Electives.
| ECE 115 ◊ Infant Toddler Development | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 250 ◊ # Administration & Supervision of Early Childhood Programs | Core Course | 3 |
(Select courses that meet the BA requirements of your transfer college. Foreign Language encouraged if transferring.)
| HTH 104 ◊ Science of Personal Health | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 216 ◊ # Wellness and Exercise for Special Populations | Core Course | 3 |
| HTH 281 ◊ First Aid CPR AED | Core Course | 1 |
| PSY 216 ◊ # Child Psychology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
(Select courses that meet the BA requirements of your transfer college. Foreign Language encouraged if transferring.)
See Associate in Arts Graduation Requirements by discipline: https://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/2023-2024/triton-college-catalog/arts-and-sciences-programs/associate-in-arts/associate-in-arts-degree-requirements/
See ECE course descriptions.
Chairperson: Angela Staunton, Ext. 3257, email: angelastaunton@triton.edu
KEY
(AA/AS/AGS/GECC) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in a semester for this program. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| Elective (general) |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |