Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education, A.A.T.

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Important Information for Education Students

Program Director and Faculty Advisor: Carole Williamson · Phone: 410-386-8525 · Email: cwilliamson@carrollcc.edu

The purpose of the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education is to prepare students for a seamless transfer to an Early Childhood Education and/or Early Childhood Special Education program at all Maryland state colleges and some private colleges. Through student-centered instruction, advising, service-learning opportunities, and classroom field placements, graduates are well prepared to enter a baccalaureate program. Students leave the program with a wealth of experience and understanding of professionalism as well as the rewards and challenges of teaching in a diverse society.

Math courses play an essential part in obtaining the AAT.ECE degree. Therefore, students need to ensure that they are prepared for these math courses and that they are planned out in the best way possible, with special attention to the MATH-122 requirement. Students need to schedule an appointment with Basic Skills Advisor, Marsha Nusbaum, who will discuss your math planning in order to achieve your AAT goal.

Degree Requirements

Associate of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood Educaiton/Early Childhood Special Education, Degree
Recommended Course Sequence: 61 Credits Required

Fall

ECE 100 - Introduction to Early Childhood Ed (Fall & Spring Only)
MATH 115 - Introduction to Statistical Methods (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
ENGL 101 - College Writing (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
PSYC 101 - General Psychology (All Terms)
ECE 101 - Child Growth and Development (Fall & Spring Only)

Spring

ECE 104 - Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education (Fall & Spring Only)
BIOL 100 - General Biology (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
MATH 111 - Fundamentals of Geometry and Measurement (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
ENGL 102 - Writing About Literature - Diversity
Skills Test - Pass Pre-professional Basic Skills Test requirement (Praxis Core, SAT or ACT), preferably 2 terms prior to transfer. Students who have a 3.0 GPA upon completing the AAT degree will be considered as having met the basic skills requirement at Carroll, but may need to meet additional basic skill requirements at their transfer institution.

Fall

FPA 101 - Introduction to the Arts (Fall & Spring Only)
EDUC 230 - Introduction to Special Education (Fall & Spring Only)
EDUC 231 - Directed Practicum for Special Education (Fall & Spring Only) *
MATH 122 - Mathematical Concepts and Structures (Fall & Spring Only)
PHSC 100 - General Physical Science (Fall & Spring Only)

Spring

HIST 105 - History of the United States to 1876
or HIST 106 - History of the United States From 1876 (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
GEOG 201 - Regional Geography and Global Awareness (Fall, Spring & Summer Only)
EDUC 201 - Processes & Acquisition of Reading (Fall & Spring Only)
GEOSC 100 - Earth and Space Science (Fall & Spring Only) #
ECE 270 - Directed Practicum in Early Childhood Education (Fall & Spring Only)

Program Goals

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

Describe the characteristics of each stage of child development and learning (birth-12 years), including theories and principles, and factors contributing to variations in development.
Develop ideas for supporting and empowering diverse families and communities through reciprocal relationships and involving families in children’s learning and care.
Evaluate and apply observation, documentation, and responsible assessment skills to support young children and families.
Utilize content knowledge, appropriate early learning standards, and other resources to design curriculum and lesson plans using developmentally appropriate practice and effective teaching methods to support young children
Express cultural competence, inclusion, and professionalism, including ethical conduct, in an authentic early care and education setting.

Student Notices

* Students must be in good academic standing in order to participate in field experiences (EDUC 131 ).

To receive the degree, students must have a 2.750 GPA and meet the Basic Skills Assessment Requirement established by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students are encouraged to earn a minimum grade of C in all A.A.T. course requirements to ensure a smooth transfer and work with an Education Program Director.

The Introduction to Special Education course required by Carroll Community College is a necessary requirement of the College’s A.A.T. degree, but is not sufficient to meet all special education or inclusion course requirements for four-year teacher education programs. Students may be required to take additional special education or inclusion courses as a part of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree and teacher education certification at four-year institutions.

# Towson Early Childhood Special Education transfers are encouraged to see an Education Faculty Advisor or Program Director for an alternate course/substitution.)

Diversity requirement: take ENGL 102 .

An Associate of Arts in Teaching degree requires a minimum of 9 credits of 200-level courses.