Nov 23, 2024

2015-2016 Course Catalog

2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education, AAS

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The Early Childhood Education-Associate program is designed to extend and expand on those skills developed in the Early Childhood Education diploma program and to broaden the student’s background in general education. Required coursework includes participation in the DMACC Child Development Center. Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required lab courses include the ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting, to demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children, to respond quickly and appropriately to children’s changing needs and to keep children safe. Further competence in early childhood education is developed through coursework in building relationships between home, program and community, administration of programs for children and a community-based internship.

Students completing the Early Childhood Education-Associate in Applied Science degree may take one of the many jobs available in early childhood education working with infants and toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children, such as lead, assistant or associate teaching in child care centers, preschools, child development homes and public and private schools, home visiting or program coordination and management in early childhood programs. Students who intend to teach in a Pre-K through third-grade setting will need to transfer to a teacher licensure institution and should contact the Early Childhood Education program chair or program counselor regarding transfer agreements with four-year institutions.

Current health and immunization records are required for each student. In addition, DHS criminal history record checks and fingerprinting are required. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse will prevent students from participating in lab and field experiences and internship. Students unable to complete these classes will not receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Students who possess the following personal characteristics are generally successful in the Early Childhood program:

Effective written and verbal communication skills
Physical stamina
Ability to make quick decisions
Ability to establish positive relationships with diverse people
Responsibility, dependability and maturity
Ability to manage demands of personal life

For more information about the Early Childhood Education program, please visit our website at https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/earlychildhood/Pages/welcome.aspx

Location: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Early Childhood Education AAS degree, a student must complete the standard core requirements for the degree plus the Early Childhood Education program required courses, maintain a 2.50 grade point average, and receive a grade of C or above in

, and

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.

Semester 4

ECE 932 - Early Childhood Internship Credits: 2
ECE 215 - Home, School & Comm Relations Credits: 3
Select any Elective Course(s) Credits: 3
Select from Option 1 Credits: 9

Total Credits Required to Complete This AAS Degree - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4
Books (approximate)	650	350	600	500
Supplies	55	55	55	55
Physical Exam	150
Program Fees	85	50	55

Approximate total for the program: $11,712*

* 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 and discipline 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..
Expected starting salary $17,660-$24,000 ($8.83-$12.80/hour) (Iowa Workforce Information Network).

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.