Early Childhood Education is critical to child success in the classroom and other early care settings as it impacts lifelong achievement. Through partnerships with families, reflective practice, and evidence- based knowledge, students will graduate prepared to work with today’s children and families. The program curriculum emphasizes Developmentally Appropriate Practice and standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Courses are offered in a variety of formats (in-person, hybrid, asynchronous online) to meet diverse student needs.

The ENTIRE program is offered on-line and live to meet the needs of any aspiring educator looking to earn their Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Degree. Even the field experience courses!

“I have learned how to provide a better space, enriching activities, plan whole units around a child's interest versus just a day to day plan, and to make sure developmentally appropriate toys and diverse toys are provided. I can become a teacher, or I can become a great teacher by going above and beyond, by tackling harder tasks, by pushing myself. I have seen what I am truly capable of doing for myself. I have seen what I have to offer to the field. ”
—Second-year student in Early Childhood Education

Program Information

Educational Outcomes

Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education degree:

  1. Graduates will explain and apply key concepts of child development from birth through age 8 in their practice, including support for each unique learner in the context of relationships.
  2. Graduates will demonstrate respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships with diverse families, utilizing community resources to support child outcomes and family needs.
  3. Graduates will describe the purpose and demonstrate skill in applying a variety of child screening, observation, documentation, and assessment techniques.

Field Placement Requirements

Field Placements are a key component of the Early Childhood Education Program. Before enrolling in a field placement course, students must have completed other technical courses required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must pass comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting clearance prior to registering for their first field experience. Additional informational will be provided by the Early Childhood Education department regarding the specific procedures for background checks that align with students’ field experience and career plans. Students are responsible for costs associated with background checks. Talk to the Field Placement Coordinator if you require assistance with related costs.
Individual students who have engaged in certain criminal activity could be denied access to gainful employment in their intended field. Field placement sites may also deny access to their site if they have been convicted of certain crimes or substantiated cases found by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Career Opportunities

Below are some careers that might match your interests, education, and lifestyle:

  • School based employment as an Education Technician II
  • Developmental therapist with a young child with disabilities
  • Classroom teacher in a privately-owned child care, nursery school, or preschool business
  • Nanny
  • Head Start Assistant Teacher or Classroom Aide
  • Starting your own Family Child Care business

 

Online Degree Option

Earn your Associates of Science in  Early Childhood Education Online!

The program provides opportunities for educators already working with children in early childhood settings to have an opportunity to continue learning and enhance the quality of their early childhood environments.

  • The courses are the same as on campus with the same assignments, books, grading, and experiences.
  • In many instances, practicums can be completed in your work site.
  • Apply on the KVCC website.
  • For more information contact the Early Childhood Education program at ece@kvcc.me.edu

Online Practica
Program Faculty use technology to enable students to participate in their Practicums from anywhere! Students who are working in the field may be able to use their current Early Childhood work environment for  their field placement.

Why would you consider earning your degree online?

  • It’s a good option for those working full time.
  • This program meets family needs.
  • It is a great opportunity to earn a degree from a distance.
  • It is especially good if you live further away.
  • It fits into a busy lifestyle.
  • This is a great option if you are self motivated and don’t get overwhelmed easily.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Enrollment Services
(207) 453-5822
Enrollment@kvcc.me.edu

Program Faculty

Jessica Pinkham, Early Childhood Education Department Chair
(207) 453-3602
jpinkham@kvcc.me.edu
 
Kristen Holzinger, Early Childhood Education Faculty
(207) 453-3698
kholzinger@kvcc.me.edu