Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through kindergarten in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.
Course work includes childhood growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/ emotional and creative development of young children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings.
Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates Offered
Students must complete all Early Childhood (EDU) courses with a grade of “C” or better to successfully complete the EC Terminal Non-Transfer degree.
For the two Transfer degrees students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to transfer the credit.
Early Childhood Associate Terminal Non-Transfer A.A.S. Degree (A55220T)
First Year
Fall 1st Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 119 | Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | 4 | F, S, SS | None |
| EDU 131 | Child, Family & Community | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 144 | Child Development I | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 146 | Child Guidance | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| *see table below | Communication Elective | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| Semester Total | 16 | 16 | |||
Spring 2nd Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 145 | Child Development II | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 151 | Creative Activities | 3 | 3 | S | None |
| EDU 153 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 184 | Early Childhood Intro Practicum | 4 | 2 | S | Pre: EDU 119 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| Semester Total | 16 | 14 | |||
Summer 3rd Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| *see pg. 58 for options | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Various |
| Semester Total | 3 | 3 | |||
Second Year
Fall 4th Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 221 | Children with Exceptionalities | 3 | 3 | F, S | Pre: EDU 144, EDU 145 |
| EDU 234 | Infants, Toddlers, & Twos | 3 | 3 | F, S | Pre: EDU 119 |
| EDU 251 | Exploration Activities | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 280 | Language and Literacy Experiences | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| *see pg. 58 for options | Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Various |
| Semester Total | 15 | 15 | |||
Spring 5th Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 157 | Active Play | 4 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 284 | Early Child. Capstone Practicum | 10 | 4 | F, S | Pre: EDU 119, EDU 144, EDU 145, EDU 146, EDU 151; min GPA 2.0 |
| **see table below | Major Elective | 3-4 | 3 | Various | Various |
| **see table below | Major Elective | 3-4 | 3 | Various | Various |
| ***see table below | Math/Science Elective | 4-6 | 3-4 | F, S, SS | Various |
| Semester Total | 24-28 | 16-17 | |||
Total Hours 64-65
Elective options for A55220T–Terminal Non-Transfer A.A.S. Degree
Developmental English or Math many be required based on placement test results
*Communication Elective Options
| COM 110 | Intro to Communication |
| COM 120 | Intro Interpersonal Com |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking |
| ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disc |
| ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting |
| ENG 115 | Oral Communication |
**Major Elective Options
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers |
| EDU 187 | Teaching and Learning for All |
| EDU 216 | Foundations of Education |
| EDU 235 | School Age Develop & Prog |
| EDU 250 | Teacher Licensure Preparation |
| EDU 261 | Early Childhood Admin I |
| EDU 262 | Early Childhood Admin II |
| EDU 279 | Literacy Develop and Instruct |
| EDU 287 | Leadership/Early Child Ed |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology |
| SOC 220 | Social Problems |
| SPA 111 | Elementary Spanish I (only one foreign language course may be used as an elective) |
***Math/Science Elective Options
| BIO 110 | Principles of Biology |
| BIO 111 | General Biology I |
| BIO 140 | Environmental Biology |
| CHM 130 | Gen., Org, & Biochemistry |
| CHM 131 | Introduction to Chemistry |
| GEL 111 | Geology |
| MAT 110 | Math Measurement & Literacy |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra |
Early Childhood Associate Transfer Licensure A.A.S. Degree (A55220L)
The Transfer Licensure AAS degree is an option for those who wish to transfer to a 4-year institution for B-K teaching licensure.
First Year
Fall 1st Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| EDU 119 | Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | 4 | F, S, SS | None |
| EDU 131 | Child, Family & Community | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 144 | Child Development I | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 146 | Child Guidance | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| Semester Total | 16 | 16 | |||
Spring 2nd Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 145 | Child Development II | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| EDU 151 | Creative Activities | 3 | 3 | S | None |
| EDU 153 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 4 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| Semester Total | 16 | 15 | |||
Summer 3rd Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| ENG 112
OR ENG 114 |
Writing/Research in the Discipline
Prof. Research & Reporting |
3
3 |
3
3 |
F, S, SS |
Pre: ENG 111 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Developmental courses may be required |
| Semester Total | 6 | 6 | |||
Second Year
Fall 4th Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| BIO 110
OR BIO 111 |
Principles of Biology
General Biology |
6
6 |
4
4 |
F, S
F, S, SS |
Developmental courses may be required |
| EDU 221 | Children with Exceptionalities | 3 | 3 | F, S | Pre: EDU 144, EDU 145 |
| EDU 234 | Infants, Toddlers, & Twos | 3 | 3 | F, S | Pre: EDU 119 |
| EDU 280 | Language and Literacy Experiences | 3 | 3 | F, S | None |
| *see table below | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Various |
| Semester Total | 18 | 16 | |||
Spring 5th Semester
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credit Hours | Offered | Pre/Co-Requisites |
| EDU 216 | Foundations of Education | 3 | 3 | S | None |
|
EDU 250 |
Teacher Licensure Preparation |
3 |
3 |
S |
Co: ENG 111 and MAT 143, MAT 152 or MAT 171
Developmental courses may be required |
| EDU 284 | Early Child. Capstone Practicum | 10 | 4 | F, S | Pre: EDU 119, EDU 144, EDU 145, EDU 146, EDU 151; min GPA 2.0 |
| **see table below | Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | 3 | F, S, SS | Various |
| ***see table below | Natural Science Elective | 4-6 | 4 | Various | Various |
| Semester Total | 23 | 17 | |||
Total Hours 79-81 70
Elective options for A55220L–Transfer Licensure A.A.S. Degree
Developmental English or Math many be required based on placement test results
*Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Options
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation |
| ART 114 | Art History I |
| ART 115 | Art History II |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation |
| MUS 112 | Introduction to Jazz |
| PHI 215 | Philosophical Issues |
| PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics |
**Social Behavioral Science Elective Options
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics |
| ECO 252 | Principles of Macroeconomics |
| HIS 111 | World Civilizations I |
| HIS 112 | World Civilizations II |
| HIS 131 | American History I |
| HIS 132 | American History II |
| POL 120 | American Government |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology |
***Natural Science Elective
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry |
| GEL 111 | Geology |
Early Childhood Associate Transfer Non-Licensure A.A.S. Degree (A55220NL)
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| ENGLISH (3 semester hours required) | ||
| ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| ENGLISH TRANSFER SPECIALTY (3 semester hours required) | ||
| ENG 112 Argument-Based Research | 3 | |
| ENG 114 Professional Research and Reporting | 3 | |
| COMMUNICATION (3 hours required) | ||
| COM 231 Public Speaking | 3 | |
| HUMANITIES/ FINE ARTS (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| ART 111 Art Appreciation | 3 | |
| ART 114 Art History I | 3 | |
| ART 115 Art History II | 3 | |
| MUS 110 Music Appreciation | 3 | |
| MUS 112 Introduction to Jazz | 3 | |
| PHIL 215 Philosophical Issues | 3 | |
| PHIL 240 Introduction to Ethics | 3 | |
| SOCIAL/ BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE TRANSFER (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| PSY 150 General Psychology | 3 | |
| MATHEMATIC TRANSFER (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| MAT 143 Quantitative Literacy | 3 | |
| BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TRANSFER (4 Semester hours required) | ||
| BIO 110 Principles of Biology | 4 | |
| BIO 111 General Biology | 4 | |
| NATURAL SCIENCE TRANSFER (3-4 Semester hours required) | ||
| GEL 111 Geology | 4 | |
| CHM 151 General Chemistry | 4 | |
| SOCIAL/BEHAVIORALTRANSFER SPECIALITY (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| ECO 251 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| ECO 252 Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| HIS 111 World Civilizations I | 3 | |
| HIS 112 World Civilizations II | 3 | |
| HIS 131 American History I | 3 | |
| HIS 132 American History II | 3 | |
| POL 120 American Government | 3 | |
| SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (35 Semester Hours Required) | ||
| EDU 119 Child Intro to Early Childhood Education | 4 | |
| EDU 131 Child, Family, & Community | 3 | |
| EDU 146 Child Guidance | 3 | |
| EDU 144 Child Development I | 3 | |
| EDU 145 Child Development II | 3 | |
| EDU 151 Creative Activities | 3 | |
| EDU 153 Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 | |
| EDU 221 Children With Exceptionalities | 3 | |
| EDU 234 Infants, Toddlers, and Twos | 3 | |
| EDU 280 Language and Literacy Experiences | 3 | |
| EDU 284 Early Childhood Capstone Practicum II | 4 | |
| TRANSFER SPECIALTY (6 Semester Hours Required) | ||
| EDU 261 Early Childhood Admin I | 3 | |
| EDU 262 Early Childhood Admin II | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 70 | |
Early Childhood Diploma (D55220)
In order to complete the Early Childhood Diploma at Alamance Community College, students must earn 36 credit hours of college credit in the categories listed in the table. The Early Childhood Diploma can be completed online.
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| ENGLISH (3 semester hours required) | ||
| ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| COMMUNICATION (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| COM 110 Introduction to Communication | 3 | |
| COM 120 Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COM 231 Public Speaking | 3 | |
| ENG 112 Writing/Research in the Disciplines | 3 | |
| ENG 114 Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | |
| ENG 115 Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Major Elective (3 Semester hours required) | ||
| CIS 110 Introduction to Computers | 3 | |
| EDU 235 School Age Development & Program | 3 | |
| EDU 261 Early Childhood Admin I | 3 | |
| EDU 262 Early Childhood Admin II | 3 | |
| SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| SOC 220 Social Problems | 3 | |
| SPA 111 Elementary Spanish I | 3 | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (27 Semester Hours Required) | ||
| EDU 119 Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | |
| EDU 131 Child, Family & Community | 3 | |
| EDU 144 Child Development I | 3 | |
| EDU 145 Child Development II | 3 | |
| EDU 146 Child Guidance | 3 | |
| EDU 151 Creative Activities | 3 | |
| EDU 153 Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | |
| EDU 184 Early Childhood Intro Practicum | 2 | |
| EDU 221 Children with Exceptionalities | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 36 | |
Early Childhood Preschool Certificate (C55860)
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| EDU 119 Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | |
| EDU 131 Child, Family & Community | 3 | |
| EDU 145 Child Development II | 3 | |
| EDU 146 Child Guidance | 3 | |
| EDU 153 Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 16 |
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate (C55290)
The Infant/Toddler Care Certificate is designed to prepare students for an infant, toddler, or twos teacher position in a licensed child care program
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| EDU 119 Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | |
| EDU 131 Child, Family & Community | 3 | |
| EDU 144 Child Development I | 3 | |
| EDU 153 Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | |
| EDU 234 Infants, Toddlers, and Twos | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 16 |
Early Childhood Administration Certificate (C55850)
The Early Childhood Administration Certificate is designed to prepare students for a level 1, 2 , or 3 administrator position in a licensed child care center, depending on degree and work experience in the field.
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| EDU 119 Intro to Early Childhood | 4 | |
| EDU 131 Child, Family & Community | 3 | |
| EDU 153 Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | |
| EDU 261 Early Childhood Admin 1 | 3 | |
| EDU 262 Early Childhood Admin II | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 16 |
Early Childhood / School Age Care Certificate (C55220S)
The School Age Certificate provides a strong foundation for early childhood professionals working with school-age children.
| Course Number/ Course Title | Credit Hours | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| EDU 145 Child Development II | 3 | |
| EDU 146 Child Guidance | 3 | |
| EDU 151 Creative Activities | 3 | |
| EDU 157 Active PlaY | 3 | |
| EDU 235 School Age Dev & Prog | 3 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 15 |
Career Options
- Teachers of Young Children: Center-based and Home-based Programs
- Public School Teachers and Assistants
- Child Care Center Administrators
- Family Specialists
- Trainers/Instructors
Salary Information
Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to research employment and career data by field of degree.
Pre-Admission Requirements
Students may be required to take one or more developmental English or math courses prior to the required course(s) depending upon their SAT, ACT, COMPASS or ASSET test scores.
Additional requirements: a current negative tuberculin skin test and a current health questionnaire must be submitted to the department before students may complete any course work involving working with children.
Contact us
For more information, call the Early Childhood department at 336-506-4118.