About the Early Childhood Education and Management (AS) Program
The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and Management is a two-year, 60 credit hour program for students who want to prepare for various early childhood careers, such as Early Childhood Infant/Toddler/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (in private, public, or faith-based centers, schools, and homes), Trainer, Mentor, Owner, Director, Caseworker, Family Support Specialist, and Home Visitor. Of those, 60 credit hours, 17-18 hours are general education courses; the remainder are comprised of program-technical courses.
Examples of required courses for Polk State’s Early Childhood degree programs include:
- Introduction to Diversity for Educators
- Introduction to the Teaching Profession
- Introduction to Working with Children with Special Needs
- Strategies for Working with Children with Special Needs
- Introduction to Principles of Math and Science for the Young Child
- Child Growth and Development
- Early Childhood Curriculum
- Facilitating Development
- Early Learning Practicum
- Overview of Childcare Management
- Observing Children
- Professionalism for Childcare Educators
