2023-2024 College Catalog 
    
    Nov 10, 2024  
2023-2024 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education (A.A.S.)


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Degree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.). The A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education requires a total of 61 hours and a grade of C in all 36 hours of Early Childhood courses.

Accreditation: Accredited by the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), 1313 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington DC, 20005, (202) 232-8777 or (800) 424-2640, www.naeyc.org.

Program description. Early Childhood Education prepares the student for a career in child care and early education. The program includes both educational theory and the practical application of learning. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate programming for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-age children (birth through age 8) and their families.

Educational opportunities: At Pellissippi State there are two routes to becoming an early childhood professional:

  1. For a student who wants to quickly enter the workforce as a child caregiver or assistant teacher, the two-year Pellissippi State degree in Early Childhood Education is the best route. This degree does not allow for public school teaching or licensure, nor for articulation to the University of Tennessee. 

    NOTE: To become licensed as a teacher in public schools in Tennessee, students must complete a four-year degree in teacher education and obtain state licensure.

  2. For a student planning a career as a licensed pre-K teacher in Tennessee public schools or in a voluntary preschool, the University Parallel/Transfer Pathways  outlines courses required to transfer to Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee.

Typical job opportunities: Teacher in child care program or preschool, caregiver, child care administrator/director, assistant teacher, educational assistant, family child care provider. Graduates may be employed in child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start programs, before- and after-school programs, pre-k programs, and preschools.

Program outcomes. Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Promote child development and learning of young children from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Build family and community relationships.
  3. Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families.
  4. Use developmentally effective approaches for teaching young children.
  5. Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum.
  6. Identify and conduct him- or herself as a member of the early childhood profession, including upholding ethical standards.

Program goals are aligned with NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Associate Degree standards.

Contact(s): Natural and Behavioral Sciences, (865) 694-6685

Courses and Course Sequence


This sequence can be followed by students who begin college-level work in the fall semester. Prerequisites may apply to specific courses; it is the student’s responsibility to determine if prerequisites have been met. An academic advisor is provided for each student. Prior to registering each semester, the student is expected to consult with his/her assigned advisor.

Total Credit Hours Needed for Graduation: 61-62


1MATH / NS / SBS / HUM/FA
See the General Education   section of this Catalog for electives.

2ECED
Elective to be chosen from ECED 2330  or ECED 2375  or ECED 2390 .

3ELEC
Guided elective to be chosen from one unduplicated course: ECED 2300  or ECED 2330  or ECED 2375  or ECED 2390  for students not transferring to a 4-year institution. If COLL 1500  / READ 0900  is required, COLL 1500  may be used to fulfill the guided elective. Students transferring to a 4-year institution must take one unduplicated course from the General Education  section of this Catalog to meet transfer requirements, including HIST 2010 , HIST 2020 , HIST 2030 , HIST 2210 , HIST 2220 , HIST 2310  or HIST 2320 . Students should meet with their advisor to determine course selection.

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