This program includes coursework in the areas of birth through adolescent development, guidance, special needs, observation and assessment, nutrition, health and safety, professional relationships as well as exploring the role of the paraprofessional. Students learn to create, and plan instruction based on individual and group needs. Graduates will independently provide a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children and families.

Child development courses in combination with general education courses comprise the Early Childhood & Paraprofessional AAS degree program. The courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teachers and teachers in licensed child care and preschool settings, before/after-school programs, family child care program provider as well as paraprofessional/aides/assistant teacher requirements in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) in school districts. Additional work experience in addition to field experiences may be required for teacher positions in licensed child care facilities as outlined in Rule 3.

Program Learner Outcomes

1. Student will support child development and learning by identifying the unique developmental characteristics and needs of children birth to age eight.
2. Student will identify the importance of building family and community partnerships with attention to integrating knowledge of cultural diversity the supports child development and learning.
3. Student will demonstrate developmentally appropriate observations and assessments strategies needed to support children’s learning.
4. Student will recognize the importance of an appropriate, safe, healthy learning environment.
5. Student will examine the role guidance has in creating a positive learning environment.
6. Student will demonstrate effective communication skills and knowledge of professional standards, associations, licensures, and related laws governing early childhood education.
7. Student will identify learning opportunities in infant/toddler environment.
8. Student will demonstrate the impact No Child Left Behind has had on education.