Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education A.A.T. Degree (309)

This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College.

Award: Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education A.A.T. Degree facilitates transfer to a Maryland four-year institution for students to complete a course of study to become early childhood elementary school teachers or special education teachers. This program provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification program. To earn the A.A.T. Degree, students must meet all program requirements, including course content and outcomes; earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses; earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.75; complete a professional ePortfolio; and receive passing scores on the Praxis Core Exam.

Program Description: The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree program is designed for teacher education transfer students. The program is based on specific learning outcomes and is 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 in early childhood development. The program provides students with seamless transfer into a teacher education program at any Maryland college or university. Students should acquaint themselves with the requirements of the early childhood education department at the receiving institution and 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.

Program Goals: The Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education A.A.T. Degree will:

• Provide a core of professional course work, field experience, and general education appropriate for the first two years of teacher preparation in elementary-early childhood development of children from infancy to eight years of age.
• Facilitate proficiency in content knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
• Prepare students to transfer to an early childhood education or early childhood special education program at a four-year institution in the State of Maryland.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Describe and apply theories and principles of child development and learning in classroom and child care settings of children from birth to age eight.
• Interpret significant historical events, issues, research, trends, and emerging developments in early childhood education and the implications they have for practice in early childhood programs.
• Use systematic and effective observation, documentation, and assessment strategies in observing and working with children.
• Analyze the essential connection of language development, reading acquisition, and writing.
• Articulate the historical, philosophical, and legal bases of services for young children with special needs or disabilities and identify community resources available to the children and families.
• Apply knowledge of cultural and linguistic diversity and the significance of socio- cultural and political contexts for student development and learning.
• Create meaningful, challenging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences and environments for early childhood children that demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts, inquiry tools, and content areas.
• Analyze and reflect on experiences with children in learning environments to improve instruction and to assess appropriateness and effectiveness of models for classroom and behavior management.
• Integrate prior knowledge/experience and new learning through effective use of written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate skills, dispositions, and attitudes of professional and ethical behavior.
• Interpret and evaluate the holistic nature of human knowledge from a variety of cultures and historical periods.

Contact person:
Sarah Ross, Education Department
Chesapeake College, P.O. Box 8, Wye Mills, MD 21679
410-822-5400, ext. 2327.

For additional educational opportunities related to this field, see the College’s Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program in Early Childhood Development  and the College’s Teacher Aide Certificate .