Associate of Science
in Early Childhood Development
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Early Childhood Education Program Details
Total Credits
60
Transfer Credits
42
Program Duration
2 Years
Location
- Washington, DC
- Falls Church, VA
- Online
MSCHE Accredited University
University of the Potomac’s accreditation status is currently non-compliance, show cause. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 27, 2024 was to issue a show cause. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. www.msche.org. 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000.
Experienced, Enthusiastic Educators
You’ll study with instructors who have taught young children in the real world—instructors who are just as excited about teaching you as they are about teaching pre-K–3 students.
Designed for Your Life
You can take classes online or on campus in Washington, DC or Falls Church, Virginia—the choice is yours.
Early Childhood Development Program Overview
Our early childhood development programs are designed to equip you with the skills you need to assist or teach children from pre-K to grade 3.* Whichever program you choose, you’ll gain insight into human development, planning and delivering lessons, and fundamentals of teaching reading and mathematics. Graduate prepared to promote curiosity and a love of learning in young children.
*Teacher credential requirements vary by state and territory. Check with your state or territorial teacher licensing board to determine whether this program meets requirements before you apply.
What You Will Learn
Associate Degree
Build skills for pre-school teaching or K–3 classroom assisting with our associate degree. This program covers fundamental concepts for delivering lessons, ensuring student safety, classroom management, and more. It also offers you a base of general knowledge and skills you can use to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future.
Courses and Curriculum
Associate of Science in Early Childhood Development - 60 credits
- COMP110 Computer and Office Applications
- ENGL101 English Composition I
- ENGL102 English Composition II
- GNED112 Student Success Strategies
- MATH106 College Mathematics
- MATH110 College Algebra
- ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Development
- ECD 102 Growth and Development I
- ECD 202 Growth and Development II
- ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management
- ECD 110 Family and Community Relations
- ECD 125 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- ECD 130 Creative Experiences
- ECD 135 Language Arts Concepts
- ECD 137 Science and Math Concepts
- ECD 202 Movement and Music for Children
- ECD 210 Principles of Ethics and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- ECD 220 Methods and Materials
- ECD 240 Supervised Field Experience for Infants and Toddlers
- ECD 355 Understanding Behavior and Family Dynamics
Requirements and Outcomes
Graduates of the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Development will be able to:
- Establish a firm understanding of early childhood educational development and behavior.
- Evaluate associated methods and interventions such as differentiated learning and direct instruction.
Applicants must complete the following steps to apply:
- Submission of a completed application for admission.
- Submission of a signed attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion.
- Equivalencies can include GED certificates or international credentials that meet our international admissions standards. Home-schooled students must present a diploma that meets the high school graduation requirements of the state in which it was issued.
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college-equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
- Complete an admissions interview (in person or virtual).
Tuition is calculated per credit hour. Most courses are worth three credits each. Costs below are for domestic (U.S.-based) students only:
- Associate Degree Tuition: $240 per credit hour
Additional fees apply. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify. Learn more about affording your degree here.
Ready to Get Started?
Start preparing for a future supporting young learners. Talk to a University of the Potomac admissions advisor today!