Degree Programs

Overview
The ECE program is a career ladder that accommodates the needs of both part-time and full-time students. The Certificate Program meets the minimum requirements of teachers in an Oregon licensed childcare facility. Required course for the certificate program are applicable to the AAS program.

Federal regulations require teachers in Head Start programs to have a minimum of an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education, the suggested minimum recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The AAS degree qualifies a student to be a Head Teacher for Head Start and the Oregon Child Development Coalition or other Oregon licensed childcare facilities.

It is recommended that students interested in Elementary Education complete the Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, with approved electives in education. This degree is transferable to all Oregon State colleges and universities.

Job Titles
Head teacher, Preschool Teacher, and Childcare Provider

Occupation Description
Preschool teachers and childcare providers supervise, care for and teach children. Young children learn mainly through play and interactive activities. Teachers and care providers capitalize on children's play to promote cognitive, social-emotional and physical development.

Specific Work Activities

• Plan appropriate curriculum, programs and environments
• Foster positive social interaction
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with students and families
• Observe, record, and assess children
• Organize and participate in recreational activities such as games
• Monitor children's play and interaction to maintain safety
• Prepare food, serve meals, and clean up
• Teach and help children with health and personal habits, such as eating and toilet habits
• Meet and communicate with parents to discuss individual student progress and needs

• Mostly work indoors, however, they spend some time outside with children for short periods almost every day.
• The noise level is usually loud at a standard acceptable level for these environments
• The care provider is continuously responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.

While performing the duties of this job, the pre-school teacher or care provider is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Care providers are occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The pre-school teachers must be able to push items of 50lbs such as pushing children on bike or moving/rearranging furniture.

Must make sure that all details of the job are performed and everything is completed accurately. Must be constantly aware of frequently changing events as children play and oversee general health and safety standards.

May work early morning, day, or early evening hours. Most schools or centers operate 8 to 10 hours per day. May work part time or full time

Advancement
Preschool teachers or care providers generally advance by being promoted to other positions of responsibility. Some become head teachers, case managers or office managers. Additional education is required to become an elementary or secondary teacher.

Major Employers
Preschools
Day care facilities
Headstart/OCDC
School Districts

Program Course Requirements for AA degree

Program Course Requirements for Certificate

AAOT - Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer

Scholarship Opportunities