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Early Childhood Education Option, AS

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Science (AS)
Total Credit Hours60
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwaySocial, Behavioral, Education
AdvisorDr. Robert Saunders
Chair, Social Sciences Division
850.872.3826
rsaunder2@gulfcoast.edu

Senior Administrative AssistantMs. Jody Walton
210 Social Sciences Building
850.872.3825
jwalton1@gulfcoast.edu

Visit the Social Science Website

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Early Childhood Education, AS

Are You Interested in Working With Children Ages Birth to Five Years of Age?

If you are interested in working with children ages birth to five years of age, consider the Early Childhood Education AS degree. You will learn about growth and development, the learning environment, communication, and legal and professional responsibilities in early childcare. This degree prepares you to assume major caregiving, education and/or managerial responsibilities.

Gulf Coast State College’s Early Childhood Education AS Degree helps you gain practical experience by observing real, working classrooms, and gaining genuine work experience. Courses are offered in hybrid format, with most course work completed online and three face-to-face sessions per class.

The Florida Childcare Professional Credential (FCCPC) courses are embedded in the Early Childhood Education AS degree.

Teacher and student

Early Childhood Education Program Course Requirements

ENC1101, English I
Select One:
Visual and Performing Arts
Philosophy/Religion
Literature
Select One:
MAC1105, College Algebra 
MAC2311, Calculus with Analytical Geometry I 
MGF1106, Mathematics for Liberal Arts 
MGF1107, Survey of Mathematics 
STA2023, Statistics 
Select One:
Physical Sciences
Biological Sciences
PSY2012, Psychology
POS2041, American National Government or AMH2020, United States History II and demonstrate Civic Literacy Competency
EEC1732, Infants, Toddlers, & Caregivers
EEC2240, Social Studies & Creative Expression for Young Children
EEC2223, Art, Music, & Movement for Young Children
EEC2602, Guiding the Young Child
EEC2713, Facilitating Social Development
EEC1319, Portfolio Development & Supervised Work Experience
EEC1001, Introduction to Early Childhood Education
EEC1272, Practices for Working with Young Children with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings
EEC2523, Leadership & Management of Child Care Programs
EEC2734, Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children
EDF1005, Intro to the Teaching Profession
DEP2001, Infant and Child Psychology
EDF2085, Intro to Diversity for Educators
EME2040, Intro to Technology for Educators

What can you do with a Early Childhood Education AS Degree?

In this field, people find careers as:

Child Development Center Teacher or Manager
Home Visitor
Preschool or Infant Teacher
Early Intervention Associate
Child Development Center Curriculum Coordinator

Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:

University of South Florida
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
Florida International University
Learning tools
Who is Eligible for the Early Childhood Education Program?
If you are a high school graduate, you can apply to this program. If you have earned credits from a regionally accredited college or university, you may have a head start at Gulf Coast State College.
Why Choose Gulf Coast State College to Earn Your Degree?
You'll get a great education with one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. With small class sizes and professors who care, you'll get the personal attention you deserve. More than 90% of our graduates would recommend Gulf Coast State College to others.
Teacher with preschool students

Meet Maggie Heldreth, Preschool Director

"I have always enjoyed taking classes.  The more you can learn about children, the better you can interact with them.  The Early Childhood Education instructors bring everything to your level, making it personal.  They not only teach what the program requires, but bring real-world applications and gave me the desire to learn more." – Early Childhood Education – AS Graduate

Are you ready to Get Started?

Apply to GCSC

Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

APPLY NOW

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

REGISTER

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.