Early Childhood Care and Education
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Contact Information
Valda Mills
706-771-4088
Augusta campus - Building 500

Linda Poston
706-595-0166
Thomson campus

Monica Natoli
706-437-6818
Waynesboro campus

Program Description

The Early Childhood Care and Education associate degree program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in child care and related fields.  Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.  The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application necessary for successful employment.  Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science Degree with a Paraprofessional Specialization.  High school graduation or GED is required for admission to this program.

Employment Opportunities

The field of Early Childhood Care and Education is diverse and offers numerous career opportunities. Graduates of this program may find employment in the following settings: Child care, Head Start, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, public and private primary schools, school age child care, programs for individuals with special needs, public school paraprofessionals as defined by NO Child Left Behind Act, child care resource and referral agencies, and early intervention programs.

Notes:

• The Early Childhood Care and Education Degree program meets the requirement for the 120 clock hours of training required for the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. After graduation, students may apply for the CDA credential through direct assessment.
•  Prior to beginning the laboratory rotation in ECE 101, Early Childhood Care and Education students must have a physical exam and present a complete medical form documenting any special medical conditions, a negative tuberculin test reading, and their decision to take or decline the Hepatitis B vaccine series.
• Students must have the physical stamina to work with young children.
• Prior to beginning the laboratory rotation in ECE 101, students must submit an application for a Criminal Background Records Check and present a satisfactory Records Check as required by the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Child Care Services Division. No person having an unsatisfactory determination as to his or her criminal record may be a director or employee of a licensed or commissioned child care program, or a public school employee, and thus, he/she would be discouraged from pursuing this program of study. Criminal records checks are good for a 12 month period. Associate degree students must submit a second criminal records check to the department by mid-term fourth quarter. The criminal records check may be done by local law enforcement.
• Additionally, students must be aware that many employers also require drug screening as a condition of employment and practice zero tolerance.
• ECE students completing their internship will be required to take the National Occupational Competency Test.
• The State of Georgia has a law regarding the placement of persons with criminal records in childcare facilities.  Anyone who has been convicted of a felony offense or of neglecting or abusing a dependent person, a sexual offense or any other "covered crime" will not be allowed to work in a childcare facility.  IF you are affected by this law, or think you may be, discuss your situation immediately with your advisor.