Early Childhood Education, AAS

Program Details

Recommended Course of Study

A recommended course of study, listed below, has been created to ensure that each student completes the program in the minimal amount of time required. However, the course of study can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.

Total Credits Required to Complete This AAS Degree - 64

*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.  

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$178.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $14,052**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Plan and carry out indoor and outdoor curriculum and routines to support children’s learning and development.
• Plan, conduct and assess small group and large group learning experiences.
• Observe and assess children’s development and learning.
• Maintain the health and safety of the children in a group.
• Use positive strategies to guide children’s development and learning
• Promote family involvement in your early childhood program.
• Carry out administrative duties of an early childhood program.
• Represent the positions of the field to families, community partners and policymakers.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Demonstrate responsibility, dependability and punctuality on the job.
• Make quick decisions, stay calm and show leadership in urgent situations.
• Be physically able to perform required care of children.
• Establish positive relationships with diverse children and their families.
• Guide children in ways that promote the development of self-regulation.
• Apply theories of early childhood education in planning, implementing and assessing child-initiated and teacher-guided activities for children.
• Work cooperatively with, and supervise, other staff members.
• Use good written and oral communication skills.
• Be physically able to perform required care of children.
• Develop and maintain accurate records.
• Advocate for the needs of children and their families.
• Maintain emotional stability and psychological health to work with children, families, clients, colleagues and college personnel.
• Demonstrate professional dispositions such as honesty, integrity, caring and empathy.
• Practice professional behavior, ethical conduct and confidentiality.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• Students must complete some classes at the DMACC Ankeny Campus and in the DMACC Child Development Center or in one of our community partner settings.
• Classes meet during daytime, late afternoon and evening hours.  Some classes are available online.  Some classes are available at the Urban campus.
• Students need transportation to internship or community partner labs.
• Expected starting salary $19,422 (2013-2014 Placement Report).

Program Competencies

This Program will..

1. Establish a safe, healthy learning environment.
2. Advance physical and cognitive development of children.
3. Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
4. Establish positive relationships with diverse families.
5. Know about and practice effective observation, documentation and assessment.
6. Recognize the importance of community relationships and services in supporting children and families.
7. Ensure a well-run purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
8. Demonstrate workplace basic skills of listening, writing, computing, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships, leadership and time management.
9. Maintain a commitment to professionalism.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
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Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
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Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx.₍₂₀₂₁₎