Early Childhood Specialist, AAS

Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Specialist, a student will be able to:

Science & Technology

• Know and understand young children’s characteristics and needs.
• Use developmental knowledge to create, implement, and evaluate curriculum and environments that are meaningful, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all young children.
• Utilize essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas.
• Understand family and community characteristics.
• Understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment with young children.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

• Know, understand, and use a wide array of appropriate, effective approaches and strategies to support young children’s development and learning.
• Know and understand the multiple influences on development and learning.
• Use ongoing assessment data to plan for children’s programming.

Professionalism

• Identify and involve oneself with the early childhood field.
• Uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines.
• Engage in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice.
• Integrate knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education.
• Engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession.

Communication

• Use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for work with young children.
• Involve families and communities in their children’s development and learning.
• Support and empower families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
• Identify resources to deepen understanding of content areas.