Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education

BGSU Firelands

June Haynes, M.Ed., program director

An early childhood educator with an associate of applied science degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education is a person who can work with and meet the needs of children, families, and other educators from infant/toddler/child care through the primary grades. Early childhood teachers are trained as generalists, learning how to work with all children, including those with disabilities and children with diverse cultural backgrounds.

The education of an early childhood practitioner integrates both theory and practice. Students are exposed to basic ideas and concepts in the classroom, and then have the opportunity to put those ideas and concepts to practical use in educational settings.

Graduates with an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education are employed in both public and private schools, and may serve as family child care providers, family advocates, parent educators, administrators, or staff trainers. They meet the requirements of federal legislation, which require that paraprofessionals in public schools have a minimum of two years of college. Individual state pre-kindergarten programs typically require an associate's or bachelor's degree. Graduates may be eligible for licensure in the state of Ohio as an Educational Paraprofessional Associate.

Graduates of this program will be held to the standards of the National Association for Education of Young Children and the standards for professional practice of the state of Ohio. Graduates must satisfy degree requirements as stipulated by BGSU associate degrees. The coursework in the associate of applied science degree can be applied to BGSU's bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, providing all admission standards are met for entry into the bachelor's degree program.

Inclusive Early Childhood Education Associates Program Admission

Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for contacting the Inclusive Early Childhood Education program at BGSU Firelands.

The following criteria will be met before students may enroll in any course with a clinical component or field experience:

• Pass a criminal history background check allowing them to enter clinical settings, as required by Ohio law;
• Complete the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services Employee Medical Statement and Statement of non-conviction for Child Care Services;
  
• Review and agree to comply with NAEYC Professional Conduct Guidelines.

The student will meet the following criteria:

• Earn a C or better in the following courses:
  • GSW 1120
  • MATH 1150
  • MATH 2130
  • and all education classes
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

Students are responsible for the following related to participation in the clinical directed practice:

• Transportation to and from clinical sites;
• Professional dress;
• BGSU nametag.

Note: Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by BGSU and is not a student expense.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:

• Constructivist Pedagogy: The student will be able to generate and implement interdisciplinary curriculum and instruction that actively engages young children and facilitates their developmental growth and learning based upon individual needs, backgrounds, research, and content standards.
• Developmental and Diverse Perspectives: The student will be able to use knowledge of child development to assess the needs and progress of all children and to create an inclusive classroom environment that reflects cultural diversity and multiple perspectives.
• Collaboration with Families, Communities, and Other Professionals: The student will be able to collaborate effectively with families, communities, and other professionals to meet the individual needs of young children and their families by contributing assessment data and instructional knowledge, listening reflectively, and engaging in mutual decision making.
• Commitment to Professionalism and Reflective Practice: The student will be able to act as an early childhood professional who reflects on her/his practice, makes decisions based upon the ethics of the professional, and works to improve the lives of young children and their families.

Degree Requirements

Designed to provide a basic college education, the associate of applied science in early childhood education is founded on the concept of a strong general education in the humanities, mathematics, science, and other areas. Students are introduced to a variety of learning opportunities in child development and early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. A key component of this program is hands-on field or clinical experiences. Students pursuing the associate of applied science in Early Childhood Education complete a minimum of 62 credit hours and approximately 300 field hours.

Fall 2018 course requirements