MSC Southeast 100% online Early Childhood AAS Degree for elementary support and tutors prepares educators with professional training to advance in the education field. Take the first steps toward becoming an elementary educator by earning your Early Childhood Education Support & Tutor AAS from MSC Southeast. When we better the lives of children, we are improving the future for everyone.
Major Details
Being an early childhood support tutor is more than a job -- it's a calling. But it takes more than love of children for a person to be an effective early childhood educator. Working with very young children is a complex job that requires the competency and skill provided by Minnesota State College Southeast's Early Childhood Education Support & Tutor AAS.
MSC Southeast early childhood education degree online gives educators the skills to create a healthy, supportive and safe learning environment where children can flourish. Research has shown that quality education and training of early childhood professionals is directly related to the increased social, cognitive, and emotional growth of children.
With a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Early Childhood and Early Elementary Support/Tutoring from Minnesota State College Southeast, you will be prepared to practice professional, ethical, and high-quality strategies within a variety of child care and school settings to provide educational support to children under age 8 in teacher support or tutoring positions.
The MSC Southeast 100% online early childhood education program offers a supportive distance learning environment for new and experienced early childhood education tutors. And because coursework can be completed online with local field experiences, the MSC Southeast early childhood AAS program is an ideal option for practitioners who are beginning their careers or already caring for children.
These courses require field experience working with children between the ages of 4-8. Students are directly evaluated during their field experiences throughout the program.
The development of a professional portfolio is a component of the Early Childhood Education program for students to demonstrate competence, based on standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The completed portfolio will be presented at the completion of the associate degree.
Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to enter the field of early childhood education and advance in your profession. Having an early childhood tutor and support associate degree from Minnesota State College Southeast will prepare you to continue onward in your own lifelong learning by pursuing further education.
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Courses
1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
PSYC1115
Lifespan Psychology
Students will explore theories of human development to understand the connections and relationships of stages of growth from conception to late adulthood. Genetics; prenatal development and birth; physical, cognitive and psychosocial development from birth through late adulthood; and dying, death, and bereavement will be examined. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 5 and 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
PSYC2522
Positive Psychology
This course explores theories and research on positive human qualities and strengths, and how to utilize these for personal and community well-being. The interaction of psychological, sociological, and biological factors that shape well-being are discussed. The information in this course will be applied toward life areas such as work, leisure, relationships, health, and society. (MnTC Goals 5 and 9) (Prerequisite: PSYC1110 General Psychology) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
SOCS1205
Sociology of the Family
The purpose of this course is to offer a comprehensive study of the forces external to and within the contemporary Western social institution that we call 'the family'. Current sociological theories and research will be used to study American family structure and functions. Cross-cultural comparisons; family dynamics; disorganization; and change will be included. The course will provide a forum to expose the students to the vast changes that have taken and continue to take place in marriages and family enabling them to make choices in a diverse society. (MnTC Goals 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED1020
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
This course provides guidance for how to establish and maintain a physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environment for young children. Topics include preventing illness and accidents; handling emergencies; providing health, safety, and nutrition educational experiences; meeting children's basic nutritional needs; child abuse and current health-related issues. This course does not include CPR or first aid certification. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1101, ECED1102) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED1103
Early Childhood Field Experience (part 1)
This is part one of a two-part sequence to fulfill ECED1101. This course requires student experience in a licensed early childhood setting working with children between the ages of 0-8 (documented, licensed experience will be reviewed for advance placement). Students will be required to apply knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice, understanding of the characteristics of children and families, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, children, and families. Students will observe, plan small group activities, and build relationships with children and classroom adults. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1102) (3 credits: 0 lecture/0 lab/150 OJT hours)
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3 cr
ECED1104
Early Childhood Field Experience (part 2)
This is part two of a two-part sequence to fulfill ECED1101. This course requires student experience in a licensed early childhood setting working with children between the ages of 0-8 (documented, licensed experience will be reviewed for advance placement). Students will be required to apply knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice, understanding of the characteristics of children and families, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, children, and families. Students will observe, plan small group activities, and build relationships with children and classroom adults. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1102) (3 credits: 0 lecture/0 lab/150 OJT hours)
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3 cr
ECED1110
Instructional Competencies for Paraprofessionals
This course will provide the student an overview of the ethical and professional responsibilities of paraprofessionals, early childhood and early elementary teaching assistants, and tutors of young children. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (1 credits: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
ECED1132
Behavior & Emotional-Social Development of the Young Child
This course helps students explore physical and social environments that promote learning and development for young children. It includes an introduction to basic child guidance techniques for individual and group situations. Emphasis is on problem-prevention and positive guidance strategies including recognition, communication, limit-setting, problem-solving, behavior modification, and visuals. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1101, ECED1102) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED1136
Interpersonal Relationships & Diversity in Early Childhood
This course focuses on the role of early childhood staff in developing positive relationships with parents that enhance children's healthy growth and development. Working with children and families of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds within diverse communities is emphasized. Students compare child rearing practices and family structure of different cultures, explore parenting styles, family stress, building relationships between family, community, and schools, and identify methods of parent education. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1101, ECED1102) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED1150
Child Growth and Development
This course provides an overview of development from prenatal through adolescence, including physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and creative development. Emphasis is placed on understanding the needs of the whole child and applying developmentally appropriate practices while reviewing a range of early childhood models and settings. The course will examine variations across cultures and interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework.
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3 cr
ECED1230
Children with Difficult Behaviors
This course helps students explore environments which promote learning and development of children birth through kindergarten. This course includes effective guidance strategies for children in small and large group settings. Behavior modification, proactive accommodations, problem solving, and physical and social environment adjustments will be addressed. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED1475
History and Professions in Early Childhood
This course introduces students to the early childhood field including history of and career opportunities. The course also examines job requirements, licensing regulations, characteristics of quality programs, types of early childhood programs, and the current issues in the field. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Corequisite: ECED1101, ECED1102) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED2105
Numeracy Skills for Young Learners
This course will provide the student an introduction to early numeracy development for young learners to age 8. Students in this course will examine early numeracy development and common hurdles young children encounter in becoming fluent in early math skills. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED2350
Foundations of Language and Literacy
This course explores language arts development from birth through age 8, including reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. Learners will explore the process of language development, basic language constructs and appropriate strategies to stimulate and encourage the continuation of oral language and emerging literacy skills. Instructional emphasis is placed upon communication development, phonological awareness, early identification/intervention for struggling readers and matching learner capabilities with appropriate instructional strategies. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Co-requisite: ECED1150) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED2440
Intro to Early Childhood Special Education
This course examines the development of children with differing abilities and emphasizes the inclusive classroom. Course content includes early intervention and public policy, comparisons of typical and exceptional development, planning for inclusion, implementing inclusive early childhood programs, and applying legal and ethical educational requirements. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (Prerequisite: ECED1101, ECED1102ECED1230) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED2535
Tutoring Striving Young Readers
This course will provide the student with a beginning appreciation of differentiating literacy development for young readers. Students will examine language and literacy development birth through age 8 with an emphasis on the 4- to 8-year old range and development of phonological awareness. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ECED2550
Multisensory Strategies for Young Learners
This course introduces students to multisensory strategies to support learning for young children under age 8. This course will provide a deeper dive into sensory processing and how kinesthetic learning can enhance and support the learning process. Students are required to pass a Minnesota DHS background study and complete field experience hours during ECED coursework. (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 60 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $13,914 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $800 |
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| Estimated Total: | $14,714 |
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Career Opportunities
- Paraprofessional
- Tutor
- Educational Assistant
- Childcare
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Utilize their understanding of developmentally appropriate practice respective to the characteristics and needs of young children.
- Understand and value the importance and complex characteristics of families and communities.
- Develop partnerships with families, community, and educational professionals as well as additional service providers
- Design and implement outcome-based learning experiences through application of the knowledge in relation to goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
- Use systematic, critical, and creative processes to apply ethical and professional decision-making.
- Demonstrate proficiency in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information for the professional portfolio.
Highlights
- Possible transfer opportunities for students to continue for a bachelor's degree
- Online program offers supportive distance learning environment for new and experienced early childhood educators
- Combination of child development, professional development, and career application courses
- Huge national demand for highly trained early childhood educators
Instructors
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Rachel Daley
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Rachel Daley has earned her M.A. in Education from Concordia University. After obtaining an A.S. degree at MSC Southeast, Rachel proceeded to SMSU to obtain a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to teaching at MSC Southeast since 2010, her career experiences include family childcare, nanny, director of religious education, childcare trainer, preschool teacher, foster parent, and substitute.