Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Make A Difference for Young Children with an Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
This program is offered on Campus and Online.
All young children, from birth through 8 years, deserve quality care and education. Help young children grow and learn through purposeful play! With an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Post University, you can pursue a position or a promotion in a variety of early childhood education jobs, such as assistant teacher, family child care provider, paraprofessional, home visitor, parent educator, family service worker, social service specialist, family resource center worker or in-home care provider (nanny). Many of our graduates go on to complete their Bachelor of Science in Child Studies at Post University. Completion of the Associate in ECE program’s courses may not only lead you to your Bachelor’s degree but also prepare you for one of many career advancements.
Program Highlights
Through a reflective and challenging curriculum, rich class discussions, applied learning assignments, and field experiences in early childhood settings, our Associate in Early Childhood Education program helps you gain:
- core knowledge of the characteristics and developmental stages of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and children through age eight;
- understanding and appreciation of diverse families, cultures and communities;
- appropriate skills and techniques to support the optimal growth of young children developing typically as well as those with special needs.
Equipped with knowledge, skills and best practices, you’ll learn to create and implement developmentally appropriate, anti-bias curriculum that fosters children’s self-esteem and social-emotional, cognitive, physical, language/literacy and creative arts skills. By learning effective approaches for honoring diversity, you’ll learn to effectively build relationships with children, families and early childhood practitioners.
Upon completion of your early childhood education courses, you will have learned developmentally-appropriate and culturally-responsive approaches for young children’s education and effective ways to work in diverse and inclusive early childhood education settings. This program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
What can you do with an AS in Early Childhood Education degree?
Graduates are prepared for careers as assistant teachers, family child care providers, paraprofessionals, home visitors, parent educators, family service workers, social service specialists, family resource center workers or in-home care providers (nannies). Many of our graduates go on to complete their Bachelor of Science in Child Studies at Post University.
Each early childhood education course at Post University is taught by faculty who have extensive experience in the field. They bring their expertise and integrity into the classroom, while our professional staff provides a level of personal support to help you reach your goals. From the moment you enroll, they will be available to answer any questions and help you overcome any obstacles.
The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or an early childhood certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html. Learn about early childhood education credentials through the Council for Professional Recognition: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/about/learn-about-the-cda/.
Visit the University Catalog >> for Curriculum, Course Descriptions, and Program Outcomes.
Early Childhood Education FAQs
What degree is best for early childhood education?
Each person is different when determining the best degree for their chosen field of work. An Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Science in Child Studies are available at Post. Each offer rewarding careers and choosing one depends on how much time you want to spend earning a degree along with your advancement goals.
What is an AS in early childhood education?
The Associate of Science in the Early Childhood Education degree program teaches appropriate skills and techniques to support the development of children aged birth through eight years old.
Students gain an understanding of early learning standards and appropriate assessments, along with culturally-responsive strategies to support children developing typically as well as exceptional learners. You will also focus on professional and ethical responsibilities and community engagement and complete two 100-hour practicum courses.
Is early childhood education a good career?
Yes! If you love the idea of working with young children, an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) can help you pursue a position or a promotion in a variety of early childhood education jobs. Your dream career may involve one of the exciting paths: head start teacher, home visiting teachers, daycare teacher or, director, childcare consultant, nanny, parent educator, children’s event coordinator, or children’s museum coordinator. Learn more about these exciting careers here.
How long does it take to get an AS in early childhood education?
Like most associate’s degrees, an AS in early education typically takes two years completion time and 60 total program credits and is available on Campus and Online.
To find out more check out the course catalog to view all degree requirements.
Note: Post University’s Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program is not a teacher licensure program. Please check with your state and/or local district to confirm the use of this degree towards any path to certification.
Your future and future generations are waiting. Contact us to enroll in our Waterbury, Connecticut-based program or in our Associate in Early Childhood Education degree online.
2022 NAEYC Program Outcomes: AS Early Childhood Education & BS Child Studies
The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005, (202) 232-8777. The accreditation term for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program runs from March 2019 through March 2026.
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