Early Childhood Studies
Associate of Applied Science
Learn to excel at caring for and educating young children through this flexible, high-quality program. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should pursue either the Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education Associate of Arts degree. Complete this program by taking classes exclusively on weekdays or in a combination of day, evening and weekend classes.
Program/Major Codes: AASECS/ECS
What can I do with this degree?
Career options: Become a teacher’s aide, lead teacher or director of a pre-school center, or open your own home child care center.
Academic options: While this program was not designed to transfer to a 4-year university, it may apply toward Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or other programs. See Pima's Transfer Partnerships page.
Program Requirements
General Education Requirements
Select courses to fulfill C or G requirements.*
| Credits | ||
| Communication Requirement | 6 | |
| Analysis and Critical Thinking Requirement | 6 | |
| Humanities and Social Science Requirement | 6 | |
| Computer and Information Literacy Requirement | 1-3 | |
| Subtotal | 19-21 | |
Required Core Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ECE 112 | Music and Art for Children | 3 |
| ECE 117 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 190 | Early Childhood Education: Theory to Practice | 4 |
| ECE 200 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| or CDA 102 | The Child's Total Learning Environment | 1 |
| and CDA 121 | Techniques for Observing Children | 1 |
| and CDA 271 | Professionalism in Childcare | 1 |
| ECE 226 | Teaching Techniques and Behavior Management | 3 |
| ECE 228 | The Young Child: Family, Culture, and Community | 3 |
| ECE 240 | Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| ELEC | Electives Contact the Center for Early Childhood Studies to select appropriate electives, which can include additional ECE or CDA courses |
19 |
| Subtotal | 41 | |
| Total | 60-62 | |
* In the general education categories, select courses so that at least one course is marked "C" (cultural diversity) or "G" (global awareness).