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Human Services: Educational Services AAS
The Human Services Associate of Applied Science [AAS] degree is offered to those seeking employment in educational
occupations of Human Services. The Educational Services Program specifically prepares students to enter the fields
of early childhood education, as a preschool teacher or child care provider, or education, as an educational assistant.
For both certificate and AAS programs, students are provided with a well-rounded and diverse education that consists
of collegiate-level general education coursework and a core of technical courses in the fields of child development
and education. All students gain practical experience by completing cooperative work experience and supervised
practicum in local schools, child care centers, and agencies that serve children and families. To earn the AAS
degree, students must satisfactorily complete all the requirements of the degree including a minimum of 90 credits,
40 of which are in the General Education Component. The General Education requirement allows the flexibility to
continue professional development later, by applying the basic skills gained to more in-depth study.
One-year certificates are offered in emphasis areas of Educational Assistant, and Child Care Provider. These programs
may serve as a fast track leading to entry-level employment or a ladder to the AAS in Human Services.
Core Outcomes of the Early Childhood Education and Education programs include: Demonstration of an understanding
of the early childhood and education professions, a sound knowledge of how young children develop, and the ability to
plan appropriate curriculum, programs, and environments that respect cultural diversity; fostering positive social
interaction based on knowledge and observation of individual children; establishing and maintaining positive and
collaborative relationships with families; demonstrating sensitivity to differences in family structures and cultures;
serving as advocates on behalf of children and their families; observing, recording, and assessing children’s development
using formal tools and informal methods in a variety of classroom settings under the supervision of qualified professionals;
knowledge of the needs of children with disabilities and developmental delays to integrate goals from Individual Education
Plans into the classroom environment and activities.
These outcomes are based on Guidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals developed by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC].
Successful pursuit of this degree requires students to possess collegiate skills in reading, communication,
computation, and critical thinking. To acquire that competency, it is highly recommended that students complete
precollegiate courses to gain these skills in the first terms of their program.
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