Early Childhood Education, A.A.

Education

The first two years of preparation for a career as an early childhood, elementary, middle school, or secondary teacher can be accomplished at Northwest College. The Education Department offers courses which teach the basic principles and theories of teaching and learning. Through the cooperation of public
school personnel, our students observe and gain practical experience in public school classrooms throughout the Big Horn Basin.

Academic advisors guide students in their career choices as well as advise them on course selection and transfer options.

Since teaching requires state certification, it is important that students consult with their advisors frequently to become informed of program requirements at four-year colleges. The catalog of the four-year transfer college must be consulted by the student when selecting courses.

Education – Early Childhood

This program allows students to focus on Early Childhood Education for their associate of arts or science degree. Students completing this program can use this as a terminal degree and apply for CDA certification to work in a child care setting or apply for a substitute teaching certificate to work in the public schools in the state of Wyoming. Additionally, the transfer student could transfer to a university offering a four-year degree in early childhood teaching or other areas of service to young children. The core provides students the basic coursework in the field while allowing them the flexibility to tailor their program to their individual needs. Students must successfully complete core courses with a “C-” or better to meet program requirements. Students planning to transfer to a four-year program may need to have additional hours beyond the program requirements at Northwest College in order to transfer in as a junior. These students should consult with their advisor and the appropriate four-year college catalog.

Term 1

• EDEC 1020 - Intro to Childhood Education (3) MR
• EDFD 1101 - Intro to Education (3) FYS
• ENGL 1010 - English Composition I (3) CM
• GOV 0000 - U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions (3) GOV
• PSYC 1000 - General Psychology (3) HC

Term 2

• BIOL 1000 - Principles of Biology (4) PNW
• EDEC 1100 - Observation and Guidance of Young Children (2) MR
• EDEC 1105 - Observation and Guidance of Young Children lab (1) MR
• EDEL 2280 - Literature for Children (3) MR/HC
• COMM 2010 - Public Speaking (3) CM
• CTY 0000 - Creativity (3) CTY

Term 3

• EDEC 1200 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs (3) MR
• EDEC 1300 - Curriculum Planning and Development for Young Children (2) MR
• EDEC 1305 - Curriculum Planning & Development for Young Children Lab (1) MR
• FCSC 2121 - Child Development (4) MR
• MATH 1100 - Number and Operations for Elementary Teachers (3) QR
• SOC 2325 - Marriage and Family (3) HC

Term 4

• COMM 2125 - Family Communication (3) GE
• EDEC 2200 - Early Childhood Practicum (3) MR
• EDEX 2484 - Introduction to Special Education (3) GE
• EDEL 2140 - Teaching Literacy in the Elementary School (3) MR
• GE 0000 - General Elective (1) GE

Minimum Credits for Degree = 60

Course Type Key

FYS=First Year Seminar* GOV=U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions* CM=Communications* QR=Quantitative Reasoning* PNW=Physical and Natural World* HC=Human Condition* CTY=Creativity* MR=Major Requirement ME=Major Elective GE=General Elective

*General Education Requirements  

FYS 0000 First Year Seminar  

GOV 0000 U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions  

CM 0000 Communication  

QR 0000 Quantitative Reasoning  

PNW 0000 Physical and Natural World  

HC 0000 Human Condition  

CTY 0000 Creativity  

The General Education courses and General Elective courses listed in the above sequence are recommended courses to fulfill the degree. Any changes to these courses should be discussed with an advisor.

**Remedial education courses may result in additional semesters of study.