Associate of Applied Science

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students to work with young children from birth through 8 years of age and their families in a variety of settings including child-care centers, family childcare, preschools, Head Start, school age programs, home visiting, and parent education. It is planned to accommodate both full- and part-time students, including those currently employed in the field.

The ECE program has as its basis preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students may choose to complete the CDA assessment process and be eligible for entry-level jobs at that point. The CDA preparation courses serve as the foundation of the core coursework for the Early Childhood Education certificate, a one-year certificate which prepares students to work as teacher assistants or teachers in child-care programs, Head Start, or other early childhood settings.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education is based on the Guidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It is a comprehensive program that incorporates the core coursework for the ECE certificate and qualifies a student to become a head teacher in a child-care facility licensed by the Oregon Child Care Division, a teacher in Head Start, or a home visitor, among other professional roles. Students will have a choice of specialty areas: infant/toddler, preschool, or family childcare, and will complete 192 supervised practicum hours as part of the curriculum. Some courses in the program may not transfer to other institutions. Students intending to transfer should seek advisor assistance to determine transferability.

For the corresponding relationship of the Early Childhood Education coursework to the Oregon Registry: Pathways to Professional Recognition in Childhood Care and Education, visit the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education and click on Rogue Community College.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science are:

Design strategies for children from birth to age 8 that support development and learning across all domains, within the context of their relational and cultural environments.

Design developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices for young children.

Analyze strategies to build and sustain family and community partnerships to support successful outcomes for children.

Examine one’s role as a professional in field of education.

Utilize screening and observation methods to respond to children’s developmental strengths and needs in curriculum planning.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Many courses in this department require participation in community schools, programs, and agencies for observation and practicum experiences. Practicum placement and classroom observations will require proof of measles immunization status, RCC Student ID, and may require proof of COVID vaccination status or criminal history background check. More information is available from the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college registration policies and the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Credits earned in the successful completion of Career Pathway Certificates can be applied to other certificates and degrees in the Career Pathway. For more information, speak to a program advisor.

Completion Requirements

Students must complete courses with at least a “C-” or better grade and they must have at least a 2.0 program GPA. Certain courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade. Students will complete between 240 and 288 supervised practicum hours unless a waiver is granted for approved activities. This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.