Early Childhood Care and Education - Associate of Arts (Major Code - ECE)

The Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Arts degree prepares students for transfer to a university program in the care and education of young children. It offers in-depth child development theory, practical applications in the workplace, and comprehensive skills for working with children and their families. To ensure seamless transfer, students must develop their specific program of study in close coordination with a Cochise College advisor.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

  • Analyze public education, including the workings of a public school; current educational issues and the role, duties, and qualifications of educators; and educational theories and methods.
  • Design developmentally appropriate curriculum and strategies that promote the advancement of physical health, intellect, communication, and creativity in young children.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the need to plan for and provide a learning environment that is responsive to each child's individual physical health, intellectual development, emotional well-being, and nutritional safety needs.
  • Explain the importance of establishing a positive, productive, and reciprocal relationship with children's families. 
  • Develop inclusive programs that identify and relate child observation and assessment tools and how they are used to guide developmentally appropriate decisions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of special education, current practices, and related educational theories.
  • Analyze the relationship of culture on children's self-concept and learning style.

Degree Map

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (AGEC-A) 35 CREDITS

Composition 6 credits

ENG 101Composition**

3

OR

ENG 101LComposition with Support Lab

3

ENG 102English Composition**

3

Mathematics 3-5 credits

MAT 142College Mathematics***

3

OR

MAT 142LCollege Mathematics with Support Lab

3

or higher (3-5 credits)

Laboratory Sciences 8 credits

Arts 3 credits

ART 120Appreciation of the Visual Arts

3

OR

MUS 260Music Fundamentals through Experience

3

Humanities 3 credits

Social and Behavioral Sciences 6 credits

General Education Electives 4-6 credits

General education electives must be chosen from the general education list. See www.cochise.edu/AGEC.

Six credits of arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or general education electives must be chosen from the current listing of intensive writing courses. See www.cochise.edu/AGEC.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT 0-16 CREDITS

Non-English language second- or fourth-semester proficiency.

University non-English language requirements vary. Check with an advisor.

CORE CURRICULUM 27 CREDITS

ECE 150Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education*

3

ECE 152Effective Interactions*

3

EDU 201Introduction to Education

3

EDU 222Introduction to Special Education*

3

EDU 226Cultural Diversity in Education*

3

MAT 154Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors I*

3

MAT 156Mathematics for Elementary Education Majors II*

3

Select two of the following three (6 credits):

ECE 155Children's Language Development*

3

ECE 156Children's Literature and Literacy*

3

ECE 160Early Childhood Growth and Development*

3

ELECTIVES (AS NEEDED TO COMPLETE 62 CREDITS)

Elective courses must be transferable to the university or universities to which the student plans to transfer. See www.aztransfer.com.

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 62 CREDITS

Note: Some students will have more than 62 credits because of varying credits in language, math, and other courses; 62 credits represent the minimum for this degree.