Course variations

Course summary

This program is designed to develop understanding of young children and their needs (birth to five years). Students gain knowledge of the intellectual, physical, social and emotional principles critical to working with young children. The program, which leads to the associate of arts degree, includes courses on nutrition, family relations, developing age appropriate curriculum and child development. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge through practical experiences in a variety of early care and education settings. The emphasis on a quality environment and educational experience for children birth through kindergarten has increased the demand for early childhood educators. This program provides graduates with the appropriate course work and prepares graduates to meet this demand. The Associate of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Ref. #249) requires 67 semester hours. It includes courses in general education, child development, family studies, assessment, and curriculum concepts, and managing early childhood programs for all children. Field experience hours give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a variety of early childhood settings while obtaining the needed experience as future job applicants.

Program modules

General Education: Cat. A: ENG 100; SCOM 145 or 161. Cat. B: ENG 200. Cat. C: HIST 119 or 120; PSY 100 (required for program). Cat. D: MATH 109 or 116; Science elective. Total hours: 21. Content Courses: CFS 180: Foundations in FCS; CFS 111: Human Nutrition; CFS 191: Child Development; CFS 192: Working with Young Children and Families; CFS 198: Guidance and Problem-Solving Approaches for Young Children; CFS 292: Diversity in Early Childhood Programs; CFS 294: Assessment of Young Children; CFS 295: Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers; CFS 296: Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten; CFS 297: Family, Community, and Early Childhood Program Partnerships; CFS 299: Administration of Early Childhood Programs; CFS 311 or SOC 220: Family Relations; CFS 313: Practicum in Human Services; LME 318: Children’s Literature; SWK 101: Foundations of Human Services; SFTY 171: Safety and First Aid.

Entry requirement for international students

Applicants should be a high school graduates. Minimum Grade Average: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or Minimum Composite ACT/Total SAT Scores: 20 composite ACT/930 Total SAT are required. The American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is required of all beginning freshmen. Test dates and a registration form may be obtained from a high school counselor or the test company. For more information contact: ACT Program, Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243. Tel: (319) 337-1313 Final admission cannot be granted before test scores are received. Students who do not meet the University requirements will be admitted to the Bowling Green Community College. To ensure a proper foundation for university study, the following college preparatory curriculum is required as a minimum for all students: English - 4 years: I, II, III, IV; Math - 3 years: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or Integrated Math I, II, and III; Social Studies - 3 years: Chosen from U.S. History and World History Economics, Government or World Geography; Science - 3 years: Chosen from Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth/Space Science (at least one lab) Health - 1/2 year, Physical Education - 1/2 year, History and Appreciation of Visual or Performing Arts - 1/2 year. 2004 high school graduates will be required to have two years of a foreign language. A score of 525 on the TOEFL, or a 197 computer based TOEFL, is required for admission.

Qualification

Associate degree

Awarding body

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Department name

Office of Graduate Studies and Research