Two-Year Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Education degree is offered to those seeking employment in educational occupations. The Educational Services Program specifically prepares students to enter the fields of early childhood education, as a preschool teacher, child care provider, or education, as a paraeducator.
For both certificate and AAS programs, students are provided with a well-rounded and diverse education that consists of collegiate-level general education coursework and a core of technical courses in the fields of child development and education. All students gain practical experience by completing cooperative work experience and supervised practicum in local schools, child care centers, and agencies that serve children and families.
One-year certificates are offered in emphasis areas of Paraeducator and Early Childhood Educator. These programs may serve as a fast track leading to entry-level employment or a ladder to the AAS in Education.
Core outcomes of the Early Childhood Educator and Paraducator programs include: Promote child development and learning; develop appropriate curriculum, programs, and environments that respect diversity; establish family and community relationships and develop an understanding of and sensitivity to differences; exhibit professional skills; observe, report, and assess children’s learning; accommodate and advocate for diverse learners; integrate education technology into the classroom.
Successful pursuit of this degree requires students to possess collegiate skills in reading, communication, computation,and critical thinking. To acquire that competency, it is highly recommended that students complete pre-collegiate courses to gain these skills in the first terms of their program.
Early Childhood Educator
The Early Childhood Educator (ECE) program is a career ladder that accommodates the needs of both part-time and fulltime students. The Certificate Program meets the minimum requirements for teachers in an Oregon licensed child care facility. Required courses for the certificate program are applicable to the AAS program.
Paraeducator
The Paraeducator program is designed to allow students to pursue a career as an educational assistant in regular or special education classrooms. Students who complete the AAS degree will be prepared to meet future training requirements for Paraeducators under Title I. This program also provides the opportunity to explore careers in teaching or special education.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours for Early Childhood Educator and a minimum of 91 credits for Paraeducator.
Writing
Nine credits are required from the following:
Arts and Letters
Three credits are required.
Social Sciences
Three credits are required.
Science / Math / Computer Science
Eight credits are required, four of which must be science with a laboratory.
Electives
Additional technical courses must be taken to bring the total number of credits to 90. Approval is required.
