Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education

Associate in Science Degree

Download PDF

This program is the first step for students seeking teacher certification in Childhood Education (grades 1-6). In order to earn teacher certification, students must transfer to and complete an appropriate bachelor’s and master’s degree at a transfer institution. As part of the first two years of that process, students in this program complete all ten of the general education areas required by SUNY for a bachelor’s degree. They complete six hours of professional courses (ED150, and ED205), which include at least thirty hours of classroom observation. Students complete 15-18 credit hours in their concentration (Mathematics, English, History/Social Studies, or Science). Specific courses depend on the area of concentration and the transfer institution. It is important for students to contact the college to which they may transfer in order to plan their curriculum. In some cases, it may require careful planning for students to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

Goal 1 To provide students with a core foundation of knowledge of the liberal arts

  • Students will successfully complete courses in 10 out of 10 SUNY General Education areas
  • Students will be able to demonstrate effective ways of utilizing technology as an aid to learning

Goal 2 To provide students with core concepts in multicultural education

  • Students will identify educational issues within a multicultural, diverse society
  • Students will complete 4 diversity tutorials.
  • Students will complete a minimum of 2 courses that meet the DGV requirements.

Goal 3 To provide students with core concepts in special education

  • Students will describe educational strategies used with special education populations

Goal 4 To provide students with an opportunity to explore education as a career path

  • Students will complete 45 hours of classroom observation.
  • Students will analyze teaching strategies and how they apply to teaching theory.
  • Students will analyze child behavior and apply developmental theories.
  • Students will interact with a diverse population of students.

Goal 5 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 63

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course provides a study of the philosophical, historical, sociological, ethical, and political bases of the N-12 American educational system. It includes a comprehensive introduction to the issues, laws, policies, and practices affecting the education system, teaching, learning, and assessment. It explains ways that teachers and schools can work with students and families to provide a meaningful and equitable education. Topics include diversity in student populations, school funding, high-stakes testing, school desegregation and re-segregation, technology, standardized tests, and learning standards. The history of the American educational system is discussed in relation to current issues and topics in education, teaching, and learning. A 15-hour observation in a general education classroom must be completed.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This is the first of a two-course sequence for students preparing to teach at the elementary school level. Topics include the study of real numbers through a development of natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, decimals, and irrational numbers, together with operations on them. Number theory is presented, along with a discussion of numeration systems including

bases other than 10. The language and nature of reasoning, together with basic elements of set theory, are introduced. Problem-solving is emphasized. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

Language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191(Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement. In the case where students are exempt from the language requirement, the language credits must be replaced with courses approved by an advisor. Those attending Utica College must select ED206 child Development as their replacement course.

Take any Physical Education Course

Second Semester

This course examines children’s physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive development from pre-natal to age twelve. Topics include childhood development theories and research, the recognition and understanding of significant child behaviors, the role of parenting and culture, the role of the teacher, influence of peers, and play. Students must complete a 15-hour child observation in a daycare setting, observing both infants/toddlers and preschool children.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This survey course provides an introduction to American history as well as a deeper understanding of how its geography, people, institutions, and culture interact to define the American experience. It begins with Pre-Contact Societies and concludes with the end of the Civil War.

This course continues to survey the development of the American story from an agricultural, frontier society to an urban, industrial nation. Emphasis is placed on the economic revolution of the post-Civil War era, its social, political, and military aspects, and the emergence of America as a world leader. It begins with Reconstruction and concludes with the present.

This is the second of a two-course sequence for students preparing to teach at the elementary school level. Topics include elementary geometry of two and three dimensions, measurement, coordinate geometry and transformations, probability, and statistics. Prerequisite: MA171 Foundations of Mathematics 1.

Language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191(Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement. In the case where students are exempt from the language requirement, the language credits must be replaced with courses approved by an advisor. Those attending Utica College must select ED206 child Development as their replacement course.

Take any Physical Education Course

Third Semester

Study Areas include: English, General Science and History

Study Areas include: English, General Science and History

This course introduces the nature and study of history, and covers the emergence and development of Eurasian civilization to about 1500 A.D. in the Near East, India, China, Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and Africa. Attention is given to religion in these civilizations and on the rise of the West to a position of world power during the Middle Ages.

Natural Science electives include BI105, BI141, BI142, BI216, BI217, CH101, CH131, CH141, CH142, CH247, CH248, GL101, GL102, PH131, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152.

Take any Physical Education Course

Forth Semester

Study Areas include: English, General Science, and History

Study Areas include: English, General Science, and History

This course provides an overview of the education of children and adolescents with exceptionalities, focusing on those with disabilities and those with giftedness. Topics include the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education and other exceptionalities and their prevalence, causes, and characteristics. Educational modifications, accommodations, and teaching strategies for general and specific classrooms are addressed. Current issues and trends educating children with exceptionalities are explored. A minimum of fifteen hours of observations in a special education setting must be completed. Prerequisites: ED150 Social & Philosophical Foundations of Education and ED205 Child Development or PY212 Adolescent Psychology. Prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of “C”.

This course is a survey of traditional and contemporary literature for children from birth through Grade 6. Literary models include picture books, traditional literature, poetry, fantasy, juvenile fiction and nonfiction, biography, and informational books. Prerequisite: EN102 English 2: Ideas & Values of Literature.

Fine Arts electives include: HU187, HU204, or HU205.

Take any Physical Education Course

*Please consult with your advisor for proper course selection in the areas of study listed below. Refer to specific area of study page layout for guided academic transfer path. Upon successful completion, students will recieve a Liberal Arts & Sciences: Adolescence Education diploma.

A prior criminal record or a history of behavior that presents a direct risk to the safety, well-being, or health of students, faculty, or staff in PK-12 settings may make placement for mandatory classroom observations unfeasible, thereby hindering the successful completion of the program.

Transfer options include:

  • English
  • General Science
  • History

English and History, students will take four three-credit required courses, and general science students will take three four-credit required courses.

(a) Language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191(Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement. In the case where students are exempt from the language requirement, the language credits must be replaced with courses approved by an advisor. Those attending Utica University must select ED206 child Development as their replacement course.

(b) History Electives include: HI111 American History 1492 - 1850 OR HI112 American History 1850 - Present.

(c) Natural Science electives include BI105, BI141, BI142, BI216, BI217, CH101, CH131, CH141, CH142, CH247, CH248, GL101, GL102, PH131, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152.

(d) Fine Arts: HU187, HU204, or HU205.

*Students are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in these courses to meet the graduation requirements.