The early childhood-focused BAS degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies are 120 credit hour 2 + 2 collaborative degree programs with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development degree. They are primarily focused on young children birth through age 5 and are designed for teachers, directors and other professionals in child care, Head Start, Early Head Start, other infant and toddler programs, private preschools, Early Intervention programs or other programs where teacher certification is not required.

It is an affordable option to complete your bachelor’s degree in a supportive environment with other students who work in the Early Childhood field with children and families. Early Childhood faculty all have advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education and have had years of experience in the field.

Course content builds on and extends your lower level child development/early childhood AAS coursework and can be directly applied to your current work with young children and families. The program also includes multiple opportunities for first hand field-based experiences.

The BAS in ECE meets new Head Start and NAEYC Teacher and Director Requirements

Head Start and NAEYC Accredited centers are both requiring the majority of their teachers and directors to have at least a bachelor’s degree with a major in Early Childhood Education. The BAS in Early Childhood meets both these requirements:

Head Start requirement Sec. 648 A Staff Qualifications and Development-“By 2013 at least 50% of Head Start teachers nationwide in center-based programs must have a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education.” See the BAS courses aligned to this requirement.

NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Teachers , Leadership and Management:
Teachers (Program Standard 9): “At least 75% of teachers have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in early childhood education that encompasses child development and learning of children birth through kindergarten; family and community relationships; observing, documenting and assessing young children; teaching and learning; and professional practices and development.” See the BAS courses aligned to this requirement

Leadership and Management (Program Standard 10): The administrator has at least a baccalaureate degree or higher in early childhood education that has at least 24 credit bearing hours of specialized college coursework in early childhood education that encompasses child development and children’s learning birth through kindergarten; family and community relationships; the practices of observing, documenting and assessing young children, teaching and learning processes; and professional practices and development and 9 hours in leadership, management and/or administration. See the BAS courses linked to this requirement.