Education/Teaching

The College offers seven degrees, three certificates and one letter of recognition in education.

The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree programs are designed for teacher education transfer students. These programs of study are based on specific learning outcomes and are comprised of foundation-level pedagogical coursework, field experience, and general education which meet academic content, outcomes, and requirements of the first two years in a teacher education program. These programs provide students with seamless transfer into teacher education programs at any Maryland college or university. Students should acquaint themselves with the requirements of the major department at the college or university to which transfer is contemplated and also consult with an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program. The College’s transfer advisor can provide additional information regarding the transfer requirements of institutions within the University of Maryland System.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree recognizes curricular focus in a specific occupational area in early childhood development. This degree is intended primarily for immediate employment or occupational skills upgrading, but also provides opportunities for transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree.

The College’s Certificate options focus on a sequence of courses in the student’s chosen curriculum. Most certificate programs are designed to build upon skills and sequence into degree curricula. Certificate programs include at least 12 credits and typically take a minimum of a year to complete.

Letter of Recognition (LOR) programs include a specific sequence of courses that total no more than 11 credits, and can be completed in the shortest period of time.

Education

The AAS degree in Early Childhood Development is designed to provide comprehensive training for professionals already employed either in child care agencies or in the primary grades and for students interested in seeking a director’s position in an early childhood program.

The AAT degrees in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education, and in Secondary Education (Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Physics) are designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree in elementary or secondary education or related fields. The Teacher Aide Certificate is designed for individuals who assist classroom teachers.

The Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Development is designed to provide comprehensive training for paraprofessionals already employed either in child care agencies or in the primary grades of school, for parents who want to learn more about the growth and needs of their children, and for students who are interested in joining the field of early childhood development.

The Basic Certificate in Early Childhood Development is designed to prepare those presently employed as child care staff with the training needed to update and enhance their competencies to meeting Maryland State Department of Education requirements. Students who complete the certificate are eligible to continue in the degree programs.

The Letter of Recognition in Early Childhood Development is designed to provide the knowledge of basic development appropriate to be responsible for children in a child care setting. Students who successfully complete this program will meet the minimum requirements to work in a child care center and are eligible to continue in the certificate and degree program options.