About the Program

Based on a signed articulation agreement, Rogue Community College (RCC) and Southern Oregon University (SOU) Department of Education offer an Associate of Science degree for students who want to work with children ages birth to 8. This Degree Completion Program was developed as a cooperative venture between SOU and RCC. This degree offers knowledge and application components drawn from curriculum at both institutions.

The Associate of Science degree articulates directly into a bachelor’s degree program at SOU that will fulfill the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, as the program objectives are designed to align with the national professional standards.

Students should work closely with their advisors to ensure transferability of this program. They should also contact the SOU School of Education early in the first year of the program to be advised about additional requirements and procedures for admission to SOU. Students transferring to SOU will be required to complete ECE300 at SOU during their first quarter. If students transfer before completing this degree or transfer in a major not covered by prior agreements, their courses will be evaluated individually toward the transfer requirements of the college of their choice.

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 Development Transfer to Southern Oregon University are:

Design strategies that promote child development for ages birth through age 8 and learning across developmental domains relevant to the child’s relational and cultural environments.

Generate strategies that build and sustain family and community partnerships, reflecting the complex characteristics of children’s families and communities to support successful early childhood outcomes.

Design developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching practices for children ages birth through age 8.

Apply different observation methods to inform instruction and planning reflective of children’s developmental, cultural, and linguistic needs.

Identify and conduct one’s self as a member of the early childhood field.

Use academic content knowledge to build developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes positive outcomes for each child.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, 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. Each College Now student must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

Graduation Requirements

The Associate of Science degree will be awarded to students who complete all credits in this program with a grade of “C-” or better. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate in two years as you prepare to transfer to a four-year Oregon college or university. Please meet with an advisor for any questions about alternate classes in any given term. When transferring to a four-year Oregon state college or university, one of the following options must be met as a requirement for admission:

1. Two years of the same high school-level world language, or
2. Two terms of college-level world language (may be first-year world language, which can be used as elective credits)

This is for students who have graduated from high school or completed a high school equivalency program in 1997 or after. Additionally, if students intend to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at a four-year school, they must complete two years of a college level world language regardless of when they graduated from high school or an equivalency program. Completing the first year of the college language sequence in terms 4-6 at RCC sets students up for the second-year sequence when they transfer. Students should inquire with their intended receiving institution for world language requirements.

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.