Early Childhood Education (AAS)

(94-95 credits)

Program Description

Do you want to be an exceptional teacher for children? By studying Early Childhood Education at SPSCC, you will be a part of a diverse group of students who want to be part of teaching children between ages birth and 8. You will work with professors and teachers who are long-time and current practitioners of early childhood care in classes that are rooted both in theory and in practical, real-world experience.

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree is designed to provide persons interested in working with children a systematic study of the care, development and education of children from birth to age eight. Students gain the knowledge and competency necessary for a professional career working with young children.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education can qualify for positions as preschool teacher, child care director, child care program supervisor, child care provider, non-certified early childhood teacher, or elementary school classroom aide. Graduates may be employed by child care centers, cooperative preschools, family child care homes, parks and recreation departments, private preschools, public schools and state and federally funded preschools.

  • Child, Family, and School Social Worker
  • Education and Childcare Administrator
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Childcare Worker

Program Information

The Early Childhood Education AAS degree can be completed in three years attending evenings only or in two years with a combination of day and evening courses. The majority of ECED and EDUC courses meet in the evening. Practicums (ECED& 120 Practicum-Nurturing Relationship, ECED 205 Practicum II and ECED 250 Practicum III) require daytime hours. Many ECED and EDUC courses require observation hours in addition to class time. See course outlines for details. Students can enter the program any quarter but are strongly encouraged to meet with an ECE faculty for detailed information necessary for planning their degree. Contact (360) 596-5387 for advising day information.

  1. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should work closely with an advisor to ensure maximum transfer of credits.
  2. ECED& 107 Health/Safety/Nutrition requires CPR/First Aid and a Food Handlers Cards be obtained while taking this class.
  3. To successfully complete the practicum experiences in ECED& 120 Practicum-Nurturing Relationship, ECED 205 Practicum II and ECED 250 Practicum III, students will volunteer in a Head Start, school or child care center which will require a Department of Early Learning portable background check and requires a tuberculosis test.
  4. ECED/EDUC courses may be taken in any order, except ECED 205 Practicum II, ECED 250 Practicum III and ECED 238 Professionalism. It is recommended but not necessary to take ECED& 105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education first. It is recommended but not necessary to get the ECE stackable certificates while obtaining your ECE degree.
  5. Grades of “C” or better must be obtained in all courses with an EDUC or ECED prefix to apply to the ECE degree or certificates.
  6. It is possible to receive up to 12 credits toward the degree for students having a Child Development Associate (C.D.A.) credential. See advisor for details.
  7. An alternative pathway is the Associate in Applied Science (AAS-T) degree which can be used to transfer to many four year colleges and universities.