Early Childhood Education is critical to child success in the classroom and other early care settings as it impacts lifelong achievement. Through partnerships with families, reflective practice, and evidence- based knowledge, students will graduate prepared to work with today’s children and families. The program curriculum emphasizes Developmentally Appropriate Practice and standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Courses are offered in a variety of formats (in-person, hybrid, asynchronous online) to meet diverse student needs.
The ENTIRE program is offered on-line and live to meet the needs of any aspiring educator looking to earn their Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Degree. Even the field experience courses!
Program Information
Educational Outcomes
Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education degree:
- Graduates will explain and apply key concepts of child development from birth through age 8 in their practice, including support for each unique learner in the context of relationships.
- Graduates will demonstrate respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships with diverse families, utilizing community resources to support child outcomes and family needs.
- Graduates will describe the purpose and demonstrate skill in applying a variety of child screening, observation, documentation, and assessment techniques.
Field Placement Requirements
Field Placements are a key component of the Early Childhood Education Program. Before enrolling in a field placement course, students must have completed other technical courses required.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must pass comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting clearance prior to registering for their first field experience. Additional informational will be provided by the Early Childhood Education department regarding the specific procedures for background checks that align with students’ field experience and career plans. Students are responsible for costs associated with background checks. Talk to the Field Placement Coordinator if you require assistance with related costs.
Individual students who have engaged in certain criminal activity could be denied access to gainful employment in their intended field. Field placement sites may also deny access to their site if they have been convicted of certain crimes or substantiated cases found by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Technical Skill Standards
The Early Childhood Education program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the essential nonacademic functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all-inclusive.
| Standard | Essential Function | Examples |
| Communication Oral / Written |
· Effective verbal and written communication to support collaborative professional relationships with colleagues, professional partners, children, and children’s families. | · Compose emails and texts in standard English
· Communicate with children using appropriate tones and language and at their level · Discuss children’s needs and developmental progress with parents and educational support personnel · Document in writing and through oral language educational and curriculum plans |
| Critical Thinking and Decision Making | · Ability to maintain focus in an early childhood setting.
· Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changes in daily routines, environments, and situations. · Ability to follow guidance, feedback, and directions related to early childhood best practices. · Ability to maintain proper professional boundaries in both home and school environments.
|
· Limit use of technology to classroom-focused activities
· Respond appropriately during emergency situations · Follow written and verbal feedback with minimal prompting · Apply rules and regulations with minimal prompt · Adapt behavior, language, and positioning based on the situation |
| Mobility / Motor Skills | · Actively participate in and support an early childhood education setting’s daily routine | · Sustain periods of mobility
· Physically interacting with children indoors and outdoors · Participate in and facilitate gross and fine motor activities. · Lift children, move furniture, and move equipment · Physical activities may include: · Bending · Lifting · Twisting · Crouching |
| Physical Strength and Stamina | · Ability to possess sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to meet the daily demands of working with children in active and sometimes physically demanding environments. | · Maintain the physical endurance required to work a full day in a busy, dynamic classroom
· Lift, carry, and move children and classroom materials |
Sensory
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· Ability to monitor children according to state licensing and accreditation requirements
· Ability to tolerate multiple sensory inputs |
· Observe and participate in activities with children
· Observe and document children’s development and learning · Respond to verbal cues and responses from children, such as questions or crying · Change diapers and care for sick or injured children |
| Environmental / Occupational Exposure | · Ability to safely and effectively work in environments that may involve exposure to communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, and common childhood conditions
· Working with children who may exhibit unpredictable behaviors, emotional outbursts, or physical contact requiring calm, consistent, and safe responses. · Ability to work in varying environmental temperatures and conditions. |
· Follow state and accreditation safety protocols, such as the use of protective gloves and sanitation procedures
· Respond to challenging behaviors in a calm and appropriate manner · Dress appropriately for the weather |
| Field or Industry Professional Standards | · Implement and adhere to an early childhood setting’s operating procedure, state childcare licensing rules, Maine Department of Education regulations, and/or the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Code of Ethical Conduct. | · Obtain applicable background check(s) with fingerprinting (CHRC and DHHS Child Care Provider)
· Complete required training and certifications such as CPR/First Aid or BLS (Basic Life Support), Mandated Reporter Training, and State-approved health and safety training |
Career Opportunities
Below are some careers that might match your interests, education, and lifestyle:
- Education Technician II
- Developmental therapist with a young child with disabilities
- Classroom teacher in a privately-owned childcare, nursery school, or preschool business
- Nanny
- Head Start Assistant Teacher or Classroom Aide
- Self -Employed Child Care/Day Care
Online Degree Option
Earn your Associates of Science in Early Childhood Education Online!
The program provides opportunities for educators already working with children in early childhood settings to have an opportunity to continue learning and enhance the quality of their early childhood environments.
- The courses are the same as on campus with the same assignments, books, grading, and experiences.
- In many instances, practicums can be completed in your work site.
- Apply on the KVCC website.
- For more information contact the Early Childhood Education program at ece@kvcc.me.edu
Online Practicum
Program Faculty use technology to enable students to participate in their Practicums from anywhere! Students who are working in the field may be able to use their current Early Childhood work environment for their field placement.
Why would you consider earning your degree online?
- It’s a good option for those working full time.
- This program meets family needs.
- It is a great opportunity to earn a degree from a distance.
- It is especially good if you live further away.
- It fits into a busy lifestyle.
- This is a great option if you are self-motivated and don’t get overwhelmed easily.
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Enrollment Services (207) 453-5822 kvccadmissions@mainecc.eduProgram Faculty
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