Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 General Catalog 
    
2020-2021 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

Child and Family Services - Early Childhood Development Emphasis (A.A.S.)


Program Learning Outcomes

  • FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN SOCIETAL CONTEXTS. An understanding of families and their relationships to other institutions, such as the educational, governmental, religious, healthcare, and occupational institutions in society.
  • FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION METHODOLOGY. An understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs.
  • INTERNAL DYNAMICS OF FAMILIES. An understanding of family strengths and weaknesses and how family members relate to each other.
  • HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN. An understanding of the developmental changes (both typical and atypical) of individuals in families throughout the lifespan. Based on knowledge of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, and personality aspects.
  • HUMAN SEXUALITY. An understanding of the physiological, psychological, & social aspects of sexual development throughout the lifespan, so as to achieve healthy sexual adjustment.
  • INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. An understanding of the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships.
  • FAMILY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. An understanding of the decisions individuals and families make about developing and allocating resources including time, money, material assets, energy, friends, neighbors, and space, to meet their goals.
  • PARENT EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE. An understanding of how parents teach, guide and influence children and adolescents as well as the changing nature, dynamics and needs of the parent/child relationship across the lifespan.
  • FAMILY LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY. An understanding of legal issues, policies, and laws influencing the well-being of families.
  • PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND PRACTICE. An understanding of the character and quality of human social conduct, and the ability to critically examine ethical questions and issues as they relate to professional practice.

Program Information

  • All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the major.
  • Some courses are only taught one semester per year. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their Student Success Advisor before selecting coursework.
  • Other courses may be substituted or added with approval and signature of the Department Chair.

Program Prerequisites

The Department of Family Life and Human Development strongly recommends that students complete the following courses as part of their General Education  requirements, as they are prerequisites for required major courses. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree.

* Note: Students who are not prepared for this math course may need additional math credits/preparation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.

Associate of Applied Science General Education Requirement (15-18 Credits)


For an Associate of Applied Science degree, 15-18 credit hours are required in the following areas:

  • One course in the English core (ENGL 1010 , ENGL 1010E , or ENGL 2010 )
  • One course in the Quantitative Literacy (Mathematics) core
  • One course in American Institutions
  • One course from either the Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences Knowledge area (minimum of 3 credits)
  • One course from one of the remaining five Knowledge Areas (minimum of 3 credits)

Child and Family Services - Early Childhood Development Curriculum Summary (41 Credits)


Free Electives (4-7 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, A.A.S. Degree: 63