College for Adults: Early Childhood Education (Associate)

Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science | COLLEGE FOR ADULTS

About the program

Are you interested in changing the lives of young children?

Enroll in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program from St. Kate’s College for Adults, where you will study online and be prepared to launch a new career.

Our program trains adult learners to work with children from birth to six years old, using a culturally relevant framework. We incorporate child development science, observational studies, and culturally relevant teaching to explore best practices for guiding this age group. Students learn foundational Montessori philosophy and methodology using an anti-bias lens necessary for fully supporting families and teaching teams.

The defining elements of our associate program include:

• Social justice

• Personal transformation

• Innovative pedagogy

• Holistic teacher education

• Community engagement

What can I do with a degree in early childhood education?

You will be prepared to work in public and private schools, early childhood education centers, and other organizations. The associate degree credits are transferable into our Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree, giving you additional opportunities for professional growth.

What will I study?

Our program focuses on personal, social, and institutional transformation. You will be mentored and supported by experienced early childhood and Montessori faculty who have a passion for working with adult students and preparing the next generation of educators. You will:

• Become a socially aware, critically informed, and innovative educator

• Learn in a supportive environment that nurtures mind, body, and spirit

• Ground your teaching in Montessori methods, with a focus on the whole child

• Meet the needs of diverse learners

• Develop awareness and skills for leadership, communication, ethics, and social justice

Fieldwork experiences

Students will conduct fieldwork hours in early childhood classroom environments, utilizing and documenting the young child’s natural development through movement, language, and interpersonal connection.

Class scheduling / time to completion

You will take fully online courses offered in an asynchronous format during the fall, spring and summer terms.

The Early Childhood Education associate degree may be completed in 2 years; timing will vary depending on the number of transfer credits from other institutions, and how many credits you choose to complete each term

Program eligibility

To be admitted to the Early Childhood Education associate program, applicants must meet all admission standards and procedures for a degree program in the College for Adults, including having a GPA of 2.0 or above, and a GED or high school diploma.

Your program of study

Major courses

• ECED 1000: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (4 credits)

• ECED 2040: Historical, Cultural, and Social Foundations of Early Childhood Education (4 credits)

• ECED 2200: The Art of Classroom Management and Assessment (4 credits)

• ECED 2300: Early Childhood Education Accreditation and Standards (1 credit)

• ECED 2500: Technology in Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education (1 credit)

• ECED 2600: Health, Wellness and Nutrition in Early Childhood Education (1 credit)

• ECED 3280: Infant and Toddler Methods and Materials (4 credits)

• ECED 3350: Understanding of Diverse Family Experiences and Student Exceptionalities in Early Childhood (4 credits)

• INDI 3400: Implementing Critical Literacy in Early Childhood Education (4 credits)

• HHS 4100: Holistic Health in Communities of Practice (4 credits)

Electives

Additional courses, as needed, to accumulate a minimum of 63 semester credits required for your associate degree

Core liberal arts courses

• CORE 1000W: The Reflective Woman: The Reflective Practitioner (4 credits)

• Behavioral and Social Sciences: choose one from communication studies, economics, political science, psychology or sociology (except ECON 1080, 1090, or PSYC 1090)

• Natural Sciences: choose one course with a laboratory and/or field component in biology, chemistry, or physics

• Arts and Humanities: choose one course from philosophy (except PHIL 2150), literature, history, foreign language, studio art, art history, creative writing, classics.

• Theology: choose one 1000 or any 2000-level theology course (except 2994 Topics)

CORE course exemptions

Students seeking an A.A.S. degree who have completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment at St. Catherine University are exempt from the LIFE core curriculum requirement

Students seeking an A.A.S. degree who have completed an A.A. degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, are exempt from the LIFE core curriculum requirement

School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences

The Early Childhood Education program is part of the University’s School of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs through the College for Adults, College for Women, and Graduate College

All information is subject to change

The information in this document applies to students entering the College for Adults in Spring 2024 or later. Provisions in this document are subject to change at any time. Consult the St. Catherine University Undergraduate Catalog for official requirements.

Next steps

• Contact your admission counselor

• Ask for a free transfer evaluation

• Apply to start in fall, spring, or summer