Last Updated
8/22/2024 2:47:47 PM
Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science, Career Pathway
Total Program Credits: 60.5
(formerly Early Childhood Career Pathway, Gateways to Opportunity Level IV Credential, Associate in Applied Science)
The Early Childhood Education, Associates in Applied Science, Career Pathway Degree is designed for students interested in entering the Early Childhood Education field or students currently employed within the field seeking to be Lead Teacher qualified. 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, observation, documentation and assessment. Students enrolled in this more advanced pathway have the opportunity to develop and refine their skills through multiple opportunities for hands-on experience and implementation throughout their coursework. This degree will lead to a Gateways to Opportunity Level IV 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. Field experiences in this degree progress from basic observation to supervised implementation and student teaching within an early childhood classroom setting. 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 CredentialEarly Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level III Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level III CredentialInfant/Toddler Care CertificateEarly Childhood Administration and Management Advanced Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Director of Level I Credential
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science Degree, Career Pathway, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply Developmentally Appropriate Practice in all aspects of curriculum and instruction.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the developmental characteristics and needs of children birth through age eight.
- Utilize observation, documentation, and assessment to inform their practices with young children.
- Establish respectful and reciprocal relationship with children and their families.
- Create classroom environments that promote respect and acceptance for human diversity.
- Exhibit professional practices that are aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct.
(Reviewed Fall 2023)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| ECE 110 ◊ Early Child Development | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 111 ◊ Introduction to Early Childhood Education | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 153 ◊ Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom | Core Course | 1 |
| 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: | 13 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events (if intending to transfer). |
Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.
| ECE 118 ◊ # Health, Nutrition & Safety | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 142 ◊ # Students With Disabilities in School | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 146 ◊ Child, Family & Community | Core Course | 3 |
| MAT 116 ◊ # Math for Elementary School Teachers I | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| ART 110 ◊ Looking at Art | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| MUS 110 ◊ Listening to Music | Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer).
If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. |
Note: MAT 116◊ may be used to fulfill the Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.
| ECE 121 ◊ # Language Development & Activities | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 138 ◊ # Observation, Assessment, Curriculum and Guidance of Young Children | Core Course | 3.5 |
| ECE 231 ◊ # Science and Math for Children | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 233 ◊ # Creative Activities for the Young Child | Core Course | 3 |
| SPE 101 ◊ # Principles of Effective Speaking | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15.5 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer).
Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop. (Minus the GECC Credential) |
| ECE 115 ◊ Infant Toddler Development | Core Course | 3 |
| OR | | |
| ECE 250 ◊ # Administration & Supervision of Early Childhood Programs | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| ECE 251 ◊ # Practicum | Core Course | 5 |
| LIT 170 Introduction to Children's Literature | Humanities Gen-ed | 3 |
| MAT 117 ◊ # Math for Elementary School Teachers II | Mathematics Gen-ed | 3 |
| Take Credits Program Electives | Program Elective | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 17 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your transfer plan and apply to your transfer institution(s) if intending to transfer.
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabi.) |
Note: MAT 117◊ may be used as a Core Course.
| ECE 122 ◊ # Infant/Toddler Care and Curriculum | Core Course | 3 |
| PSY 216 ◊ # Child Psychology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| HTH 281 ◊ First Aid CPR AED | Core Course | 1 |
Notes: Take ECE 122 to be stackable in Infant/Toddler Certificate.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE AAS DEGREE, take ECE 253 to obtain the Early Childhood Administration and Management Advanced Certificate.
A minimum grade of "C" is a requirement for each ECE course in all ECE programs.
See Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements by discipline: https://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/2024-2025/triton-college-catalog/applied-science-programs/associate-in-applied-science-degree-requirements/
See ECE course descriptions.
Chairperson: Hunter Stuckemeyer, Ext. 3046, email: hunterstuckemeyer@triton.edu
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| 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. |
| General Elective |
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) |