Early Childhood Education-AA

Program Overview

Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who are planning to enter the early childhood education field as either a teacher or preschool facilities director.

A student who is considering a bachelor’s degree in education needs to meet with an advisor immediately to determine the requirements that will fulfill his/her emphasis areas and/or his/her degree. Also, the student needs to be aware of the application requirements for the education program. Additional information regarding state licensure requirements can be obtained from the Nevada Department of Education.

Program Mission

The mission of the GBC early childhood program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively and professionally with young children, their families, and their communities.

Successful completion of the early childhood education certificate and degrees is designed to qualify students for such employment opportunities as paraprofessionals, teachers, and/or directors in childcare centers, preschools, and home-based programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Standard #1: Child Development and Learning in Context

Outcome: Students will identify and describe key stages of child development and learning from birth through age five, focusing on major developmental domains.

Standard #2: Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections

Outcome: Students will recognize the importance of family-teacher partnerships and demonstrate basic strategies for effective communication and collabora­tion with families.

Standard #3: Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment

Outcome: Students will conduct basic observations and use simple documentation techniques to assess children’s development and learning, informing instructional planning.

Standard #4: Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices

Outcome: Students will apply fundamental teaching practices that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for young children.

Standard #5: Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum

Outcome: Students will implement basic pedagogi­cal methods for teaching early childhood disciplines, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate.

Standard #6: Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

Outcome: Students will understand and apply ethi­cal guidelines and professional standards in early childhood education, advocating for young children and their families.

General Education Requirements