Associate of Arts
Education
Overview
The Education Associate of Arts degree is derived from the National Association for the Education ofYoung Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards and input gathered through the 2012 Uqautchim Uglua Gathering.
The certificate program serves as a stepping stone to the degree program in that all coursework applied to the Certificate I and II will count toward the degree. The purpose of the certificate program in Education is to give students the opportunity to explore the discipline as well as recognize and celebrate milestones toward completion of the degree.
Degree Outcomes
The following degree outcomes are based, in part, on the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation and the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools. Phrasing and terminology have been modified to better reflect the desired outcomes for students who originate from or plan to serve the local community.
Promoting Child Development & Learning
- Graduates will use understanding of children’s unique characteristics, needs, and interacting influences to create healthy, supportive, challenging, and culturally responsive learning environments
Using Developmentally Effective Approaches
- Graduates will understand and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to make connections with children and their families and positively influence each child’s development and learning.
Building Meaningful Curriculum
- Graduates will utilize academic and cultural resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curricula that promote positive developmental and learning outcomes for every child.
Developing Professionalism
- Graduates will know and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards and demonstrate an ability to collaborate, engage in reflective practice, and communicate in culturally and professionally appropriate ways
Program Entry and Timing
The AA program is designed to accommodate full and part-time students. Students who have been admitted to the program meet with their advisor to determine the entry point of their coursework and make a study plan.
The program encourages student engagement both online and in the classroom and provides opportunities for observation and practicum experiences in local settings. All students over the age of 16 will undergo a routine background check prior to interacting with children in a classroom environment.
Degrees and Certificates
Courses
ED 101: Introduction to the Early Childhood Profession
Credits 3.0This course includes a historical foundation on current issues and trends surrounding early childhood and provides exposure to a variety of developmentally appropriate programs designed to meet the diverse needs of children and families. Topics include the importance of being an advocate, supporting Indigenous children’s development, creating an inclusive environment, professionalism and ethical conduct, identification of resources such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the exploration of career opportunities.
ED 111: Best Practices for Paraprofessionals
Credits 1.0 3.0This course will address the challenges faced by paraprofessionals as they seek to support classroom teachers and students in 21st century learning environments. Attention will be given to role definitions, confidentiality, professionalism, characteristics of learners, effective instructional support, organization, and classroom/behavior management.
ED 118: Topics in Education
Credits 1.0 3.0Exploration of various Education topics, such as language and literacy, teaching strategies, classroom management, child guidance, teaching reading across content areas and teaching early childhood STEM. Specific topic to be announced in current semester schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies.
ED 135: Explorations in the Early Childhood Classroom
Credits 1.0 3.0This course introduces current brain research as it applies to early childhood development. Students use what they are learning about the developmental stages of childhood and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as they observe, plan, and conduct activities with young children in early learning classrooms.
ED 140: Teaching for Alaska's Future
Credits 3.0Participants will investigate five core practices in place-based teaching and classroom management. For students interested in pursuing a teaching certification program, this course provides an introduction to the profession and an overview of pathways to teaching in Alaska.
ED 199: Practicum
Credits 1.0 3.0This course provides a guided practicum experience to apply knowledge gained in working with children in an early childhood setting. Opportunities to apply acquired skills in providing quality early care and education based on the knowledge of early childhood theories and approved practices will be provided. Increased competencies in child development and learning will occur along with an increased ability to plan and implement culturally relevant activities designed to support early learning and development
ED 204: Family and Community Partnerships
Credits 3.0Focus is on developing skills for establishing effective relationships between the early childhood professionals, families of the children, and the community as a whole. Students will gain knowledge and recognize the uniqueness of cultural and community resources. This course will emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful community partnerships which will support the children and families.
ED 205: Early Child Development
Credits 3.0Course focuses on the growth and development of young children during the critical period from conception through age three. Course content includes an examination of developmental domains, historical and research-based theories, cultural perspectives, environmental influences on development, building effective relationships with children and families, as well as an overview of developmentally appropriate programs serving infants and toddlers. Ten hours of field observation are required.
ED 206: Child & Adolescent Development and Learning
Credits 3.0This course covers the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of children from birth through early adolescence (age 12). Classic and contemporary learning theories as well as human development theory are presented with attention given to cultural considerations, developmentally appropriate teaching practices, and responsive curriculum. Ten hours of field observation experience is required.
ED 220: Guidance in Early Childhood
Credits 3.0This course explores the historical foundations of positive guidance principles as well as research-based strategies for supporting the healthy social-emotional and cognitive development of your children. Course content emphasizes developmentally appropriate guidance techniques, family involvement, cultural influences, and professional self-reflection.
ED 227: Language and Creative Expression
Credits 3.0Students will gain knowledge on culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to promote language and literacy, creativity, and physical development. Emphasis is on emergent curriculum, active learning, play observation and creative expression methodologies. Understanding of emergent literacy in young children and how to promote children’s development in pre-reading activities will occur. Opportunities to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, local materials, resources, Elders, and parents in addressing language and creative expression development in young children will be included. Lab required.
ED 229: Teaching Children’s Health and Wellness
Credits 3.0Students will gain knowledge on methods for establishing a healthy and safe environment for the young child. The course will stress the importance of meeting the child’s nutritional needs and the relationship to growth and development. Current topics related to health and safety and child development will be discussed.