Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology
The Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology A.A.S. is designed to provide childcare providers and instructional assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the physical, mental, social, emotional, and developmental needs of young children from birth through age five.
Program Overview
Upon completion of the program, graduates may be prepared for employment in childcare and early childhood education settings, including childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, ABC Programs, and elementary classrooms.
Degree Highlights
- 60 Credit-Hour Degree
- Two-year program
- Includes early childhood field experience and practicum
- Stackable Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology
- Prepares students for the Certified Development Associate (CDA) approval process
Stackable Credentials
Students can begin with the Certificate of Proficiency and continue into the Associate of Applied Science degree, building additional knowledge and experience in early childhood education along the way.
Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology — 12 credit hours
[Learn more about the Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology]Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology — 60 credit hours
Program of Study
The following is a suggested sequence of courses. Students should work with their academic advisor to select appropriate courses and electives.
- Year 1 - Semester 1
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15 credit hours
Course Credit Hours ENGL 1313 – English Composition I 3 EDUC 1013 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 SUCC 1311 – Principles of Workplace Success 1 SUCC 1311 – Principles of Workplace Success 2 MATH Requirement* 3 ECDT 1113 – Essential Elements of Childcare 3 *MATH 1323 Real World Math or MATH 1333 College Algebra or BUSI 1123 Business Mathematics
- Year 1 - Semester 2
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15 credit hours
Course Credit Hours EDUC 2333 – Child Growth and Development 3 ENGL 1323 – English Composition II 3 EDUC 1113 – Early Childhood Field Experience 3 ECDT 1323 – Language Arts for Preschool Children 3 ECDT 1413 – Music for Preschool Children 3 - Year 2 - Semester 1
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15 credit hours
Course Credit Hours COMP 1123 – Introduction to Computers 3 ECDT 1513 – Child Nutrition and Health Care 3 ECDT 2243 – Social and Emotional Development in an Inclusive Classroom 3 ECDT 2713 – Social Studies, Math, and Science for Preschool Children 3 PSYC 2303 – General Psychology or SOCI 2313 – Introduction to Sociology 3 - Year 2- Semester 2
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15 credit hours
Course Credit Hours EDUC 2313 – Instructional Technology 3 ECDT 2813 – Administration of Preschool Programs 3 ECDT 2613 – Curriculum Methods and Materials 3 ECDT 2916 – Early Childhood Education Practicum 6
Total Program Credit Hours: 60
Program Requirements
Field and Practicum Requirements
Students enrolled in Early Childhood Paraprofessional courses are required to complete background and health screenings before participating in field and practicum experiences. Requirements include a Child Maltreatment Central Registry check through the Arkansas Department of Human Services and drug testing. A TB test may also be required, with negative results required before participation. Students are responsible for associated fees.
Academic Requirements
A grade of C or better is required in all Early Childhood Paraprofessional major courses, with an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher required for graduation.
What Do I Need to Get Started?
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent OR
- ACT score of 19 or above OR
- An Accuplacer test. This can be performed at the college; you can read more on our Admissions page.
Cost & Financial Aid
Explore where this program could take you.
The information below highlights potential career opportunities related to this program. Career outcomes vary based on individual experience, education, skills, and other factors.
Ready to Get Started?
For more information: Dean Denise Zeiler, dzeiler@seark.edu, (870) 850-3150