The Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree consists of 63 credit hours and is approximately one half of the curriculum required for a Bachelor of Arts in Education. The degree is designed to allow the holder to serve in a support capacity including, but not limited to, facilitating instruction and direct or indirect supervision of pupils under the direction of an educator. This program is designed to allow a seamless transfer to the baccalaureate degree at Marshall University.

What You’ll Learn
Childcare workers play an important role in a child’s development by caring for the child when parents are at work or away for other reasons. In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, childcare workers organize activities that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore individual interests, develop talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Create healthy, respectful and challenging environments for young children.
2. Build effective relationships with children and families that are respectful of various cultures and family systems.
3. Apply appropriate assessment tools to determine the developmental needs of young children and their families
4. Implement meaningful curriculum that promotes positive development and learning for young children.
5. Advocate on behalf of young children and their families.
6. Exhibit professional conduct that reflects the standards of ethical behavior outlined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

This certificate program is designed to prepare students to assist lead teachers in a variety early childhood programs including but not limited to child care, Head Start, Pre-K, Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten. It is also designed to meet the West Virginia Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Requirements.

What You’ll Learn
The program is approximately one-half of the curriculum of the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree.

Assistant teachers serve in a support capacity in the early childhood classroom; their role is crucial as interactions with children through relationships and daily instruction contribute to the overall quality of the program. In addition, assistant teachers nurture and care for young children. These individuals also work with groups of children and help all children acquire the skills for school readiness as well as the social skills needed to help them interact with others. These individuals are needed in a variety of early childhood classrooms including child care, Head Start, Pre-K, Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten.

The Paraprofessional Program is a one-year certificate consisting of 36 credit hours. This certificate program is designed to prepare students to assist preschool through third grade teachers in the classroom as paraprofessionals. It is also designed to meet the West Virginia Department of Education requirements.

Program Outcomes:
• Prepare students to become competent support professionals in a classroom setting.
• Collaborate with teachers and school personnel to provide academic, behavioral, and individualized support to enhance student learning.