Start Your Path to Prepare Young Learners

Help Children Develop a Love of Learning

Prepare to work in the early childcare field and maintain a professional edge over the competition with an online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus. You’ll learn the basics of child learning and development, as well as strategies to help young children grow. Earning your associate degree is your first step in building a foundation for success in the world of childcare.

This program focuses on important topics in early childhood, such as development, learning assessment, special learners, and instructional strategy, offering a comprehensive path for those aiming to pursue careers in this rewarding field. The program consists of 67 credits and can be transferred to a bachelor-level program in ECE.

Upon completion of the AA in Early Childhood Education degree program, you will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of child development, theoretical perspectives, and developmentally appropriate approaches to support the diverse learning needs of every child
  • Determine how assessment data is used to inform curriculum and instructional practices
  • Analyze the components of effective classroom management and high-quality learning environments that are healthy, safe, respectful, supportive, and culturally responsive
  • Describe strategies to promote effective family and community partnerships
  • Identify the professional standards and ethical behaviors necessary to maintain a commitment to professionalism and growth as an early childhood educator

Why Choose the University of Arizona Global Campus?

Accelerated 5 week courses
Generous transfer credit policy
$0 application fee
Accredited by WSCUC

Military Students $250.00/credit

Undergraduate Courses $460.00/credit

Technology Fee** $115.00/course

Books and Other Class Materials** $125.00/course

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Scholarships

UAGC offers enrolled students access to ScholarshipUniverse, a platform that tailors external scholarship opportunities to your unique situation, making it easier to find and apply for scholarships.

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Partnership Savings

UAGC is proud to provide reduced tuition rates for our academic and corporate partners, helping community college transfer students and corporate employees earn their degrees at a lower cost.

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Early Childhood Education Course Overview

1

Freshman Year

  • In this foundational course, students explore the principles necessary for achieving personal and career success. GEN 101 serves as a road map, guiding students as they begin their academic journey. Through self-discovery, surveying available resources, connecting with UAGC groups, and engaging with Career Services, students learn the essential skills of planning and goal setting. Students apply their personal strengths, skills, and lifelong learning strategies to develop essential career competencies. By making these meaningful connections students gain a deeper understanding of how their education relates to their desired career path.  Congratulations on embarking on this college journey filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities! This course is not available for non-degree seeking students and is not available as an elective.

  • This course offers an overview of digital fluency as it applies to personal, academic, financial, and professional success. Students will analyze the impact of digital technology on personal, social, and diversity issues and will develop digital skills that will assist in achieving academic, personal, and career goals. An overview of digital media is introduced with practical strategies for application in personal and professional life.

  • ENG 121 is designed to introduce students to the standards of writing in both academic and professional settings. The class will operate by first introducing, and then allowing students to practice, several written communication skills. Throughout, we will work to understand writing as a process, one that is strengthened through critical thinking, deepened by research, and built on a foundation of professional standards. Students will articulate a sense of their own skills and goals, and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and their instructor so as to be able to express their ideas more effectively. During the course, students will use the writing process to scrutinize their own perspectives while challenging them to embrace a wider conversation.

  • A survey course providing an overview of art history and the principles of visual art, exploring the various contextual factors and purposes of art. Students are encouraged to discover personal interests through their own research on movements, themes, and individual artists. It focuses primarily on Western art and Western art movements but there are some places where students can incorporate art from other cultures. By the end of the class, students have gained confidence in their ability to look at, identify, and understand Western artworks.

  • Learn and use key, practical skills that are applicable at home, at work, and in all UAGC courses! As UAGC students progress in their academic journey, strategies for personal, professional, and academic success continue to develop. This introductory course takes a two-pronged approach to setting students on a path to success. It merges fundamental informational literacy concepts with essential resources and skills that prepare students for college and career. Students learn how to identify, locate, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information obtained through UAGC Library databases and internet search engines. By applying the research process, students sharpen critical thinking skills and learn to use information ethically. The final project is a practical and relevant opportunity for students to apply their learning in personally, professionally, and academically meaningful ways.

  • In this course, students will develop and expand their research and writing skills to communicate ideas in informed, ethical, and persuasive written documents intended for a range of audiences across a range of situations and contexts. Students will receive instruction and practice in synthesis and analysis, bolstering their written communication skills with a thorough understanding of academic research while honing critical thinking skills and effective work habits. Through writing well-structured, logical, and effective academic essays, students will explore tools and develop topics in a way that is meaningful to academic and professional lives. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 121 or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better.

  • This is an introductory course for students considering teaching as a career path or individuals seeking an increased understanding of the complexity and importance of education. The first focus is on topics in education that include, but are not limited to, teaching as a profession, diversity in the classroom, facilitation of student achievement and accountability, classroom management, and requirements for continuing professionalism in the field. The second focus of this course is on academic writing as a necessary component in the field of education. 

  • This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns among people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, within and between cultures, including both face-to-face and technologically mediated channels.  The nature of these interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication skills and behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. The primary goals of the course are to improve the quality of students’ communication in their personal and professional relationships, to enhance students’ experience and. confidence with oral communication, and increase awareness of the importance of interpersonal communication that is inclusive and equitable.

  • In this course, learners will be introduced to the developmental theories, learning models, issues, and trends that inform quality early childhood education programs and policies, as well as the qualifications, competencies, and professionalism required for different careers in the field. In addition, students will examine developmental domains, assessment, partnership between educators and families, and the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and learning environments.

  • This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined. 

2

Sophomore Year

  • This course surveys American history from 1877 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the multifaceted experiences within American society; political, economic, intercultural, and social trends; and the impact of the United States in world affairs. Prerequisite: ENG 122 or successful completion of the Written Communication Competency II requirement.

  • This course examines the principles of child development from birth to age 8. Students will explore the essential aspects of child development, focusing on developmental domains, stages, milestones, and theories. Learners will gain an understanding of environments and activities that nurture the developmental domains of young children. Through observations, students will learn to plan developmentally appropriate instruction tailored to individual needs. The course also emphasizes the critical role of family involvement in supporting the growth and development of children.

  • In this course, learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore physical, biological, and ecological principles, examine how human alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the controversies surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

  • In this course, students will explore a wide range of Algebra topics. Topics will include study of linear equations, linear relationships, slope, polynomials, and functions, including graphing relations and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of historical and current uses of algebra in real life settings, in various careers, and in solving important societal problems.

  • In this course students will study atypical development. Students will differentiate between genetic and environmental factors that impact development. Students will also examine contemporary issues and trends related to children with exceptionalities. In addition students will analyze strategies for professionals and families that best support children with high incidence disabilities. Finally, students will summarize evidence based best practices for meeting the needs of diverse learners in inclusive settings. 

  • Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for the Early Childhood Classroom lays the foundation for creating a meaningful curriculum for young learners.  The course focuses on examining the role of early childhood educators in creating, implementing, and assessing curriculum. Learners will evaluate teaching strategies for supporting instruction, apply state and professional standards to curriculum and learning activities, and plan culturally relevant learning opportunities that embrace diversity, inclusivity, equity, and children’s interests. Additionally, learners will design activities for facilitating developmentally appropriate curriculum.

  • Introduction to Early Childhood Behavior Management will address age-appropriate behavioral expectations and the learning environment as a tool for promoting positive and prosocial behavior. Current research and theory related to managing young children’s behavior and strategies for communicating with and involving diverse families to support positive behavioral outcomes will be examined. Learners will apply knowledge of observing, collecting data, and recording children’s behavior to support and address behavioral challenges in the classroom and develop strategies for responding to challenging behavior.

  • In this course, learners will explore current research theories and the use of community and virtual resources supporting English language learners and their families. In addition, students will analyze instructional strategies that support learners of diverse cultural backgrounds, academic needs, and proficiency levels, and design learning activities that foster social interaction, linguistic skills, and literacy development for English language learners.

  • This course will introduce students to strategies that support and encourage the involvement of families in promoting children's health, safety, and nutrition, as well as the importance of establishing a safe and healthy environment that fosters growth and development in young children. Learners will develop educator philosophies that prioritize children’s well-being and design activities that teach children about health, nutrition, and safety.

  • Professional Responsibilities in the Early Childhood Environment examines key topics related to ensuring high-quality early learning environments by examining what it means to be an early childhood professional. In this course, students will describe the professional standards and ethical behaviors necessary to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Students will also analyze the concept of professionalism within the context of early childhood education and examine administrative practices for running well maintained early childhood facilities. Additionally, students evaluate the importance of professional development, reflective practice, and lifelong learning for early childhood professionals. Finally, students develop a plan to foster advocacy in the field of early childhood education and care.

3

Electives

Program Requirements
Credit Breakdowns
General Education
40*
Credits
Major Credit Requirements
27*
Credits
Electives
6
Credits
Total Credits
67
Credits

To earn your associate degree in early childhood education at the University of Arizona Global Campus, you must complete 67 credits. A total of 18 credits must be completed at UAGC to meet the residency requirement. You may be able to transfer up to 49 approved credits from community colleges, other previous college coursework, or other life experiences such as military service or job training toward your degree.

Upon completion of your associate degree at UAGC, you can transfer your credits toward any one of the bachelor’s degree programs at UAGC.

*In this program, 6 credits from the core may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Licensure and Certification Terms and Conditions

This program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for teacher licensure or certification in any state. Students seeking teacher licensure shall carefully research their state's requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. Graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a state-by-state basis that will include one or more of the following: student teaching or practicum experience, additional coursework, additional testing, or, if the state requires a specific type of degree, earning an additional degree. None of the University of Arizona Global Campus online education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which is a requirement for certification in some states. Other factors, such as a student’s criminal history, may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.

The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE). The CDA® is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children. The CDA® is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, not by the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). Throughout your UAGC coursework in ECE201, ECE203, ECE 205, ECE 207, and ECE214, content related to the eight CDA® subject areas is embedded in your weekly discussions, assignments, journals, interactives and quizzes. Additionally, some of your coursework can be used to complete your CDA® Professional Portfolio should you choose to pursue obtaining your CDA®.

The University of Arizona Global Campus is a partner of the Council for Professional Recognition. Coursework for students enrolled in the AA in Early Childhood Education program at the University of Arizona Global Campus may satisfy the 120 hours of education in the eight CDA® Subject Areas and will provide a jumpstart on completing the components necessary for the CDA® Professional Portfolio. Additional steps beyond UAGC coursework will be needed to obtain your CDA®. The Council for Professional Recognition, not the University of Arizona Global Campus, is responsible for awarding the CDA®. For more information about the required steps for the CDA® please visit https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/.

Alabama Students: Authorization to provide an education program does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an education or educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at https://www.alabamaachieves.org/teacher-center/.

Kentucky Students: Please be advised that although the University of Arizona Global Campus offers a variety of programs aimed at preparing potential educators in diverse settings, our programs are NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and are NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for K-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=220

Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.

Quality Matters Certification

The Online Teaching Support Certification recognizes programs that require all online faculty to undergo training in best practices for online course delivery, provide faculty with ongoing pedagogical support, encourage faculty professional development to increase their knowledge and skill in online teaching, emphasize instructor availability and feedback to learners, and collect and use feedback from learners to improve online teaching. Learn More

The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Career Paths

With an associate degree in early childhood education, some of the career paths you may be able to pursue include:

  • Teacher Aide
  • Educational Assistant
  • Childcare Worker
  • Tutor
Connect With Career Services
Job Market Outlook

Gain insights into the early childhood education job market by reviewing the Bureau of Labor Statistics market outlook report.

View Full Market Outlook

UAGC gave me the time and freedom to serve my community and to work towards a career educating future generations.

Gigi R.
UAGC logo
Class of 2023

AA in Early Childhood Education FAQs

  • An associate degree in early childhood education can be the first step toward a fulfilling career in working with young children. Here are some key reasons why you might consider pursuing this degree:

    • Flexibility: With 100% online coursework, our program offers flexibility, allowing you to balance work, family, and education.
    • One Class at a Time: Take one 5-week class at a time, focusing on just one subject at a time, so you don’t have to juggle multiple classes and coursework at once.
    • Foundation for Further Education: If you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree later, your associate degree can often transfer credits, saving you time and money.

    Ultimately, an associate degree in early childhood education can provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.

  • You can pursue jobs in education with an associate degree in early childhood education. While a bachelor's degree may open the opportunity to pursue more advanced roles, an associate degree is a great starting point for many positions in early childhood education.

  • An AA in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work with young children. At UAGC, your coursework will focus on important topics in early childhood education, such as development, learning assessment, special learners, and instructional strategy.

  • Volunteering at local daycare centers, preschools, after-school programs, and community organizations can help you gain hands-on experience working with young children. Finding part-time work or internships in schools, tutoring, and childcare centers can also enhance your education.

  • Earning an AA in Early Childhood Education online can offer several benefits, but it depends on your learning style and goals. Carefully consider your career goals and state licensing requirements to make sure an online degree meets your needs.

    Here are some of the advantages of pursuing an online associate degree at UAGC:

    • Flexible Online Classroom: An online classroom experience gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule. You will have access to 24/7 online support and service along with all the tools and technology needed for you to successfully complete your program coursework.
    • Educational Format: Take courses that are five weeks long, and instead of taking multiple classes all at once, you’ll take just one class at a time.
    • Qualified Faculty: Learn from faculty with real-world experience and top academic credentials.
*

To access this rate using the Liberty Grant, only eligible undergraduate active duty service members, members of the National Guard, Reservists, spouses of active duty, members of the National Guard and Reservists, Department of Defense employees using Tuition Assistance (TA), and civilian employees of the United States Coast Guard (only if utilizing Military Tuition Assistance) will qualify.

**

The Technology Fee covers access to University systems such as the online classroom, the Student Portal, and other academic resources. The Technology Fee and the Course Digital Materials (CDM) Fee are fully refundable if a student does not attend beyond Day 3 of a course (Week 3 if covered under the University of Arizona Global Campus Promise Refund Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-refundable. Students are charged the Technology Fee for repeated coursework. Students are not charged the CDM fee for repeated coursework if previously charged.

The transferability of credits is subject to the University of Arizona Global Campus transfer credit policies and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office to determine the credits that will officially apply toward a UAGC degree program. Credits must be earned at the same degree level in order to be applied. Additional restrictions may apply. See the UAGC Academic Catalog for full undergraduate and graduate transfer policies.

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