Early Childhood AS
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Early Childhood AS

Teacher with building blocks
50% or more of this program can be completed online.

Work with children and families as you study early childhood

Jefferson’s Early Childhood A.S. program prepares students like you to continue your studies in early childhood or related fields at a four-year college or university. You will gain practical skills for working with young children and their families in infant/toddler and preschool settings.

Jefferson graduates have been placed with area Head Start programs, Fort Drum Child Development Centers, Jefferson Community College Early Childhood Learning Center (Jefferson’s Campus Care), day care centers, family day care, and early intervention programs.

Job prospects are expected to increase by 16 percent through 2026 for candidates with state or federal certifications required for employment as teachers or administrators in preschools, daycare centers, or similar institutions.

The program consists of 62 hours of academic credit, including the bulk of your general education classes, and 15 hours in early childhood care and education.

Learn to help young children grow and develop

When you complete the Early Childhood A.S. degree you will be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning
  • Build family and community relationships
  • Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families
  • Use developmentally effective approaches
  • Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum


Contact Enrollment Services for Application and Admissions Information

Jules Center 6-010 (ground level)
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437, fax (315) 786-2471 or toll free (888) 435-6522

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday

 

Focus Further

Jefferson graduates can transfer to a number of colleges to pursue a bachelor’s degree, including SUNY Empire State College, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Canton.

 

Suggested 4-Semester Pathway

The four-semester pathway is intended for the typical college-ready student. Always look at placement scores, AP, and previous college credits to ensure proper placement in the first and subsequent semesters.

Semester 2
Semester 2 Credit Hours
Lab Science Elective 4
ECD 207: Trauma Sensitive Practices for Early Childhood 3
Restricted Humanities Elective
Choose from: STA 151: Public Speaking, STA 161: Interpersonal Communication, ENG 114: Early Childhood Literature 		 3
Restricted ECD Elective
Choose from: ECD 150: Creative Arts for Young Children, ECD 220: Foundations for Teaching Math and Science to Young Children, ECD 225, or ECD 235		 3
PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology 3
Semester Credit Hours: 14-15
Semester 3
Semester 3 Credit Hours
ECD 230: Early Childhood Curricuum 3
ECD 157: Professional Development and skills Seminar 1
MTH Elective
Choose from: MTH 144: Elementary Statistics, MTH 148: Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers 1, or MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1		 3-4
PSY 220: Child and Adolescent Development 3
Liberal Arts Gen Ed 3
EDU 210: Principles of Education 3
Semester Credit Hours: 16-17
Semester 4
Semester 4 Credit Hours
ECD 250: Practicum in Early Childhood Development 3
Restricted ECD Elective
Choose from: ECD 150: Creative Arts for Young Children, ECD 220: Foundations for Teaching Math and Science to Young Children, ECD 225, or ECD 235		 3
Arts or World Language Elective (ART, MUS, or WL) 3
Liberal Arts Gen Ed Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Semester Credit Hours: 15


Lookup Course Description

Degree requirements for Early Childhood A.S.

Pedagogical Core (25 credit hours)
Pedagogical Core (25 credit hours) Credit Hours
ECD 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Development and Education 3
EDU 210: Principles of Education  3
ECD 207: Trauma Sensitive Practices for Early Childhood  3
ECD 230:   Early Childhood Curriculum  3
ECD 157: Professional Development and Skills Seminar  1
ECD 250: Practicum in Early Childhood Development (B-age 6)  3
PSY 220: Child and Adolescent Development    3
ECD Restricted Electives: (ECD 150, 220, 225, or 235)  6
English Requirements (3 credit hours)
English Requirements (3 credit hours) Credit Hours
ENG 101: Research and Composition    3
Humanities Requirements (3 credit hours)
Humanities Requirements (3 credit hours) Credit Hours
Restricted Humanities Elective:  
(Select from STA 151, STA 161, or ENG 114)  		 3
Social Sciences Requirements (12 credit hours)
Social Sciences Requirements (12 credit hours) Credit Hours
SOC 144: Introduction to Sociology  3
HIS 150: American History to 1877 
or HIS 151: American History 1877 to Present   		 3
PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology    3
ARTS or World Language Elective    3
Math and Science Requirements (7 or 8 credit hours)
Math and Science Requirements (7 or 8 credit hours) Credit Hours
MTH 144: Elementary Statistics or 
MTH 148: Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers 1 or 
MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1   		 3 or 4
Lab Science (Select from approved GEN ED list for Natural Sciences)  4
Liberal Arts Electives (6 credit hours)
Liberal Arts Electives (6 credit hours) Credit Hours
Liberal Arts Electives 6
Free Elective (5 credit hours)
Free Elective (5 credit hours) Credit Hours
INT 111: College Foundations  1
PED Elective  1
Free Elective    3

Total Credit Hours 61

 

Screen Reader Caption Text
Advising Notes:  
  1. ECD 101 MUST be taken in the first semester!  
  2. Not all ECD electives listed are offered every semester. 
  3. If you require English 100, or developmental math take it ASAP. 
  4. If taking ECD 250, two or three mornings must be kept free for fieldwork hours. 
  5. Recommended to take Lab Science in the semester student is not completing internship. 
  6. Students complete 100 hours of fieldwork in a local day care facility. 
  

 

 

Program Contacts

JoLynn Fiorentino

Assistant Professor
jfiorentino@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2362
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