Jun 14, 2025
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Early Childhood Education 
Associate in Science Degree
(60 Credit Hours)
The A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education provides students with a strong foundation in early childhood knowledge and prepares them for entry or continuation in the workforce. The program prepares students to work in early learning center as teachers or managers. Students can also immediately begin the B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education upon conferral of the A.S. degree. Students will learn about developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth through 8 years old. Field experiences and the internship include a variety of ages and settings. Students will be eligible for at least one specialization certificate as part of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of child growth and development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood education birth to age 8.
- Demonstrate the importance of positive interactions with the family and communities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations governing early childhood programs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of child abuse and neglect.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety, health, and nutrition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the early childhood education profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate methods of guidance and classroom management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various observation, screening, assessment, and documentation methods.
- Demonstrate knowledge of children with exceptionalities.
General Education Courses
Subtotal Credit Hours: 15
Program Core Courses
Please consult the course description section of the Catalog for any prerequisites. Subtotal Credit Hours: 33
Plus One Specialization Area
12 credits must be completed from courses within one specialization area. Subtotal Credit Hours: 12
Child Development Center Management
Subtotal Credit Hours: 12
Internship courses EEC 1319 and EDG 2949 : EEC 1319 must be completed immediately following EEC 1000 , EEC 1001 , and EEC 1601 . EDG 2949 is the final internship course, and all coursework must be completed prior to entering the final internship. Field hours are required in both courses. Any background check or cost required by an early learning center is the responsibility of the student, not included as a course fee. Elective courses: It is recommended that students take EDF 1005 or EME 2040 as the elective. These courses are pre-requisites for the B. S. Early Childhood program. Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC): Students who want the Florida Child Care Professional Certificate must complete EEC 1000 , EEC 1001 , EEC 1601 , and EEC 1319 and work or volunteer at least a total of 480 hours in an early learning center during the semester the coursework is completed. Once EEC 1319 is complete, the program director will submit appropriate paperwork to the State for obtaining the FCCPC. Credit for the FCCPC will appear on the student’s DCF transcript. Child Development Associate Credentials: Students who want the National CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential must complete EEC 1000 EEC 1001 EEC 1601 and EEC 1319 and then apply to the National Council for Early Childhood Recognition to complete the credentialing process. The Council’s number is 1-800-424-4310. SCF does not submit paperwork directly. To participate in CDA credentialing, students are responsible for submitting the CDA paperwork. Child Care Management Director Credentials: Students who need to meet the Department of Children and Families requirement for the Foundation Level Director Credential must complete EEC 2002 . The courses that meet the DCF Advanced Level Director Credential requirement are EEC 2002 , EEC 2520 , and EEC 2527 . Articulated credit from a technical college/secondary school may be applicable. For more information click here: http://www.scf.edu/Academics/CareerTechnicalEducation/Career_Pthwys.asp. * A related certificate also is offered. See certificate listing. Degree Pathway Required Courses and recommended Sequence: The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program. Developmental courses and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Course availability within the program sequences is specifically intended for full-time students who begin their course work with the fall semester. Students should always consult their online degree planner for the catalog year that they entered the college, and contact their program manager to better understand typical course availability and individual program planning. Please follow link to: http://www.scf.edu/Academics/degree-pathways.asp |