Overview
This program is designed for an individual who would like to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed early childhood teacher in the public schools and/or to have advanced specialization in order to incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) in early childhood settings.
Students must have a high school diploma, or GED, and pass a criminal background study. Respect for cultural differences is essential. Good judgment and absolute integrity are also necessary for success in the field of child development.
What You'll Learn
- Fundamental principles of child development and developmentally appropriate guidance practices.
- Skills to work with diverse groups of children such as children who have: ◦Hearing impairments
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Developmental delays
- Communication disorders
- A home language other than English (learning English with ASL helps dramatically)
- Not learned to talk yet (infants can sign months before they can say their first word)
- Not learned to read (ASL is a bridge from verbal to written communication)
- Skills in family, community, and staff relations
Career Settings
- Child Care Centers, Preschools and Nursery Schools
- Elementary schools as paraprofessionals (No Child Left Behind Act requires an associate degree)
- Early Childhood Family Education
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Extended day school-age programs
- Home-based settings: family child care, nannies and home visitors
- Hospitals and Child Life Programs
- Start your own business
Potential Employers
- Head Start
- Children's Home Society & Family Services
- Public Schools
Additional Benefits
- The employment outlook is estimated to grow faster than average through 2010.
- Opportunities exist for students to transfer to a 4-year institution after earning the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or Associate in Science (AS).
- Scholarship money is available for those who are already in the field and want to earn a degree.
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