Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3400, Program Site, E-mail: earlychildhood@nscc.edu
Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation)

Early Childhood Education prepares the student for employment in the field of child care and early education. The program includes theoretical and practical components, preparing early education professionals to work effectively with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary age children birth through age eight.

Graduates of the program should be able to:

• Promote child development and learning of young children from diverse backgrounds;
• Build family and community relationships;
• Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families;
• Design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children; and
• Identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet regular degree-seeking admission requirements for A.A.S. Degree programs.

Career Opportunities

• Teacher in Childcare Programs & Preschools
• Assistant Teacher
• Caregiver
• Administrator/Director
• Family Child Care Provider
• Educational Assistant

Graduates may be employed in child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, before and after school programs, pre-k programs, and preschools.

Practicum Courses

Students who wish to register for the practicum courses (ECED 2335  or ECED 2365 ) should contact an advisor for information about clinical requirements prior to enrolling. Before registering for the practicum courses, a student must have:

• Attained a grade of “C” or higher in all ECED courses taken, and
• Met all prerequisite requirements.

Grading Policy

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all early childhood courses prior to graduation. The student majoring in ECED must receive a “C” or above in each course in order to meet prerequisite requirements for subsequent courses.

Background Check for Employment

Students who wish to become employed in child care programs licensed by Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee must undergo a criminal history and abuse registry background check. Tennessee law requires a satisfactory background check prior to employment. This is initiated by the employer.

Transfer/Advising

The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare a student for employment upon graduation. Some universities, at their discretion, accept some technical courses for transfer. A student who plans to transfer to a university should consult his/her advisor and the receiving university about transfer and articulation policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of transfer credits.