Blue Mountain Community College

 Human Resources

Intended Program Outcomes:

This two-year A.A.S. degree program in Early Childhood Education (ECE) will prepare students for entry into the ECE field by providing them with the requisite knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Organization
• Critical thinking
• Regulatory systems
• Community resources
• Special Needs
• Assessment and observation
• Guidance and classroom management
• Child development
• Cultural diversity
• Environments
• Curriculum
• Developmentally appropriate practices

A minimum of 93 credits is required for this degree. A grade of C or better is required in all ECE coursework. The student is required to complete a criminal history check prior to enrollment in ECE 161/ECE 163: Practicum or ECE 280: Cooperative Work Experience (CWE).

About the Program:

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students to work with young children from birth through eight years of age and their families in a variety of settings including child care centers, family child care settings, preschools, Head Start programs, school age programs, home visiting and parent education programs.  It is planned to accommodate both full- and part-time students, including those currently employed in the field.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education is based on the Guidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  It is a comprehensive program that qualifies the student to become a lead teacher in a child care facility licensed by the Oregon Child Care Division, a teacher in a Head Start program, a home visitor in the human services field, among other professional roles.  Some courses in the program may not transfer to other institutions.  Students intending to transfer should select electives that meet the AAOT requirements.  It is strongly recommended that students seek advisor assistance prior to and throughout their BMCC educational experience.