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Early Childhood Development

The Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development is designed to acquaint students with methods of instruction used in early childhood education. Students will be provided an opportunity to gain practical experience in actual classroom settings. Upon completion of the program students may transfer to a four year college to pursue study for a Bachelor’s Degree.

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Program Outcomes

Utilize critical thinking skills to assess children’s needs, possible interventions, and community resources in a comprehensive fashion while taking into consideration individual, family, and/or community values, practices, and beliefs.
Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum planning and evaluation necessary to be effective with young
children.
Utilize the process of observation and assessment techniques and strategies as applied to teacher and
classroom practices.
Serve as a positive role model within early childhood education settings and the community ie ethics,
confidentiality.
Utilize a process of self-evaluation that fosters personal and professional growth and contributes to life-long learning.environment.
Demonstrates knowledge of developmental skills in young children and develops curriculum to meet those needs.

Course Requirements

Degree: Associate of Science

Credit Hours Required: 63

    Required Professional Courses 22 credits

    EC 160 Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction I – 3 credits

    EC 170 Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction II – 4 credits

    EC 212 Family Relationships and Parent Education – 3 credits

    EC 220 Working with Children & Families at Risk – 3 credits

    EC 230 Health, Safety and Nutrition – 3 credits

    EC 241 Early Childhood Field Experience – 3 credits

    EC 250 Administering an Early Childhood Program – 3 credits

    General Education Requirements 41 Credits

    English/Communications – 6 credits

    Math/Science – 7 credits

    Humanities – 3 credits

    Social Sciences (One must be PSY 130) – 6 credits

    Dakota Studies – 6 credits

    Computer Science – 3 credits

    General Education – 4 credits

    General Education Course (One must be EC 140) – 6 credits

    Degree Requirements 63 Credits
    Professional Requirements – 22 credits

    General Education Requirements – 41 credits

Tuition & Fees

Students that come into the program prepared to take 100 level classes, can complete the program in two years (4 semesters) and one summer if taking 15 credits each semester. If a student takes 12 credits, minimum for full-time, the program can be completed in 2.5 years (5 semesters) and one summer.

Cost to complete the program within normal time (based on 15 credits per semester for five semesters)

Tuition – $8,250

Registration Fee – $250

Lab Fee $50 (per lab class) – $150

Library Usage/Email Account Fee – $150

Building Usage Fee – $125

Technical Fee – $450

Books and Supplies (estimate) – $3,000

Graduation Fee – $40

Activity Fee – $150

Total – $12,565

Faculty Staff

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Adjunct Instructor
(605) 698-3966

Course Catalog

The course catalog provides course schedule and detailed descriptions.
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