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    Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

    If your dream is to work with children, an online associate’s degree in early childhood development could help you pursue your goal. You will study to gain the basic knowledge and skills to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-age children (up to age 8); focusing on development, nutrition, health, and caring for kids with special needs.

    Courses emphasize childhood education, creative activities, and curriculum planning. Upon completion of the program, you may be eligible to apply for the highly regarded Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.*†

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the long-term national job growth for child care workers is expected to be 20 percent through 2020.‡ And with an increasing emphasis on early childhood education programs, the demand for entry-level assistants may also rise.

    Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Program Highlights

    Individuals interested in working with young children or who want to further their career in the early childhood development field should consider this program. With an associate's degree in early childhood development, you may pursue a variety of entry-level positions in the childcare field.§ 

    You will have the opportunity to study how to:

    • Apply knowledge of child development and learning theory
    • Understand strategies for building family and community relationships
    • Identify proper techniques for instructional planning for children and their families
    • Create effective learning environments for young children
    • Understand the importance of individuality and cultural diversity 

    Your Credits Count

    If you earn your Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, you will be at least halfway toward earning your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development. If you have already earned credits at another college or university, those credits may help you earn your degree faster. Refer to our University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.# 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    Jul 31

    Online Start Date
    Jul 31, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Core

    CM 107: COLLEGE COMPOSITION I (5 Credits)

    Students will learn how to communicate effectively in their professional field using various writing styles. Students will also identify and further develop their own writing process. Grammar and mechanics will be reviewed, helping students focus on the areas that will improve their writing.

    Prerequisites Required: Any Academic Strategies course or any Eight Skills of the Effective Student course

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CM 220: COLLEGE COMPOSITION II (5 Credits)

    This course helps students apply research and critical thinking skills to develop effective arguments. Students will create professional writings, incorporating post-draft revision strategies, working constructively with colleagues.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I course

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    MM 212: COLLEGE ALGEBRA (5 Credits)

    This course covers topics of algebra, including linear functions, equations, and inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, rational and radical equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions, ratios, proportions, variation, and graphing.

    MM 150: SURVEY OF MATHEMATICS (5 Credits)

    Students will improve their background in mathematical concepts and skills utilizing real-world scenarios to solve math problems. Students will also enhance their own knowledge by demonstrating the ability to explain and interpret concepts, which is a valued skill in many fields. The topics may include sets, variables, measurement, and statistics.

    Total Core Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    CE 100: PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (5 Credits)

    Early childhood professionals establish an environment for the early learning success of the children they serve. This course provides the opportunity for the early childhood development student to prepare for success in the Kaplan University classroom environment. Topics addressed include roles, responsibilities, and various career opportunities within the field, professional standards, personal management tools, strategies, and university resources. Additionally, students will preview the portfolio project that will be developed in the final capstone course in the program.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 101: INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (5 Credits)

    This course will present an overview of the field of early childhood development. Students will learn the foundations necessary to provide safe, healthy, high-quality care for young children. An emphasis will be placed on governing standards and regulations, historical perspectives,
    and current trends. This course will also focus on what it means to be an early childhood professional and will assist students in developing effective professional practices in the field.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 114: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (5 Credits)

    This course surveys the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth through age eight. In order to provide developmentally appropriate care giving, nurturing, and instruction for the most important developmental years in life, topics will include: attachment issues, developmental milestones, and developmentally appropriate strategies. Using their understanding of how young children develop, students will discuss issues in early childhood care, safety and health concerns, guidance techniques, and behavioral expectations.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 215: EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM PLANNING (5 Credits)

    In this course, students will study teaching methods for educational settings that serve young children. Attention will be given to developmental domains, strategies for planning, organizing the learning environment, facilitating teacher-child interactions, guiding children’s behavior, conducting lessons, assessing, care giving, supporting play, and addressing standards through integrated and emergent curriculum.

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 220: CHILD SAFETY, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH (5 Credits)

    The course is designed to help students advance their knowledge of the factors that affect the health, nutrition, and safety of the young child. Students will be able to identify common childhood illnesses and their causes, discuss the nutritional needs of healthy young children with those of children who have allergies or chronic disease conditions, discuss healthy menus using current information, and explain the basics of adequate nutrition to children and caregivers. Students also will identify safe indoor and outdoor learning activities and suggest ways to create environments that maximize safety.

    Prerequisites Required: CE 114

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 230: CREATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to help early childhood care professionals provide creative, developmentally appropriate practices in a child care environment. Participants will examine materials and activities that will help foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, with an emphasis on activities that encourage independence, exploration, risk-taking, and opportunities to think and act creatively.

    Prerequisites Required: CE  101

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 240: YOUNG CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (5 Credits)

    This course is designed to help future early childhood care professionals become effective caregivers and advocates for young children with special needs and their families by learning how to apply strategies to address learning differences. Students will explore some of the more common learning differences and disabilities currently encountered in the inclusive classroom. They will explain the value of early identification of special needs and the importance of intervening early, in accordance with relevant federal legislation. Students also will demonstrate how to communicate and collaborate with families in real-world situations for the benefit of the child with special needs.
     

    Prerequisites Required: CE 101

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CM 206: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS (5 Credits)

    This course introduces students to the principles of interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management, and effective communication strategies.

    Prerequisites Required: CM 107

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    CE 299: ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (5 Credits)

    This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development. This course builds on the coursework completed throughout the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework. A portfolio will cap the learning experience and will include artifacts that demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes.

    Prerequisites Required: Last term or with permission of the program Dean

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    PS 124: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

    This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology, one of the social sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of topics that offer insight into human thought and actions, including what motivate us to study human behavior, ethical decisions, problem solving, and theories on memory, learning, intelligence, and personality. This course will highlight the use of critical thinking and the application of the concepts. In addition, it will draw on practical psychological concepts related to students' personal and professional relationships.

    SS 144: SOCIOLOGY (5 Credits)

    An understanding of the dynamics of human societies and group behavior is useful for any work environment or professional career. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the discipline of sociology. Students will explore society and social life through the study of language, culture, race and ethnicity, gender, inequality, education, deviance, and sociological theory and methods. Students are also encouraged, through course assignments and discussions, to examine the influences of society on their personal lives.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I course

    Total Major Credits: 50
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (25 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 25
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
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    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • See Also

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development is not represented as meeting specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting. Students are encouraged to check with their local school district on specific college education requirements needed in these fields.

    † Although certain programs at Kaplan University are designed to prepare students to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee the student will pass those exams. In some cases, field experience, additional coursework, and/or background checks may be necessary to take or to successfully pass the exams.

    ‡ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Childcare Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm.(Accessed April, 2012) National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

    § Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    # Kaplan University does not guarantee the transferability of credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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