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Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education focuses on children up to eight years old, when social skills, self-esteem and academic outlook are established. If you are interested in working with young children, our early childhood education options are a great place to begin.

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Have you chosen a major? Is there a program of study that inspires you? Do you have your heart set on a particular degree? Motlow is here to help you find your future and craft a great career.

Start by choosing the credentials you want. Motlow offers:

  • Short-term certifications,
  • One-year diplomas,
  • 2-year associates degrees,
  • Associates degrees with embedded micro-credentials, and
  • Pathways to numerous bachelor degrees with majors in hundreds of programs. We have many additional articulation agreements with universities that allow you to easily transfer or even enroll simultaneously at Motlow and another institution
  • We have articulation agreements with universities that allow you to easily transfer or even enroll simultaneously at Motlow and another institution.

Use our program finder to explore all of the possibilities. Visit our transfer & articulations page to learn more about our partnerships with other universities. Explore your interests and aptitudes with our free YouScience tool.

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The Associate of Science in Teaching degree prepares students for transfer to university teacher education programs. Students who qualify for the A.S.T. (TTP) must satisfy the following:

  • Cumulative 2.75 grade point average
  • Successful completion of the PRAXIS I (or a composite score of 22 (21 for Tennessee Tech) or greater on the enhanced ACT)
  • Satisfactory rating on an index of suitability for the teaching profession and achievement of a "C" or better in each of the Mathematics (MATH) and a "B" in EDU 1010 and EDU 2210

Description

  • Education in America and the role and responsibility of a teacher
  • An exploration of the physical, mental, social, and moral development of individuals from birth to age 8.
  • Introduction to the development of exceptional children
  • Strategies for working with diverse families and groups

Practical Experience

  • Exposure to the mental and physical development of people and special emphasis on the development of exceptional children
  • Classroom observations

The Early Childhood Education concentration prepares students for completion of a four-year degree program in partnership with TSU. In addition to core collegiate coursework, students will also be introduced to:

  • Successfully integrating instructional technology in the classroom
  • Development of children up to age 8
  • Strategies for working with diverse families and groups

Practical Experience

Certain skills and instructional concepts will be reinforced through participation in the following activities:

  • Curriculum planning
  • Classroom observations
  • Materials preparation
  • Interact with community resources
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education is a two-year, non-transfer set of courses that prepares you to enter the workforce, sustain an existing career, or seek specifically defined career growth opportunities.

The A.A.S. includes both educational theory and the practical application of learning in alignment with National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. Graduates are equipped to deliver appropriate programming for young children (birth through age 8) and their families. The academic coursework and clinical practicum prepare you for the CDA (Child Development Associate) assessment.

Description

  • Introduction to the early childhood profession
  • Demonstration of practices relating to safety, health and nutrition in relation to the early childhood setting and how to apply these practices in creating an appropriate learning environment
  • Consideration of the role of the family and community in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of the child
  • Introduction to research-based principles and practices for providing young children a strong foundation in language and literacy
  • Understanding of the standards, principles, and practices in teaching mathematics and science
  • Understanding development of children birth to 8 years old

Practical Experience

  • Supervised practicum in early childhood practical experiences
  • Curriculum planning
  • Materials preparation
  • Problem solving
  • Skills development
  • Classroom observations

Accreditation

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education at Motlow State Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from 2015 through 2022.

24 Hour Certificate

The Early Childhood Technical Certificate of Credit prepares students for a career in childcare and early education. This certificate is not covered by Financial Aid, however TECTA may provide tuition and textbook assistance for eligible students.

12 Hour Certificate

The Early Childhood Technical Certificate of Credit prepares students for a career in childcare and early education, with credentials leading to the Child Development Association. This certificate is not covered by financial aid, however, TECTA provides tuition and textbook assistance for eligible students.

If you are considering teaching, ask yourself

  • Do you enjoy working with children?
  • Are you patient, dedicated and sensitive to others needs?
  • Are you creative? Fun? Hands on?
  • Do you have ENERGY?
  • Do you enjoy planning activities and curriculum?
  • Do you have good organization skills?

Career Opportunities

  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Childcare director
  • Head Start teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Teacher's aide
  • Teacher's assistant
  • Some opportunities require a bachelor's degree and licensure

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