If your goal is to continue your education toward a bachelor's degree so you can teach in a public school (PreK - 3rd grade) as a state-certified and/or endorsed educator, then the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood (AAEC) degree from NPC is the smart way to start. You'll complete the same general education courses you would take in your first two years at a university. Plus, you'll begin meeting the requirements of Arizona teacher certification while also gaining the foundational knowledge you need to teach young children PreK-3rd grade.
The AAEC also includes the requirements for earning a Certificate of Proficiency (CP) in Early Childhood Studies. The CP is a set of 19 credits and includes courses in child development, learning environments and curriculum, early childhood assessment, developmentally effective instruction, and more. All NPC Early Childhood programs (CP, AAS, AAEC) align with both state and national standards for professional preparation in early childhood education.
The AAEC is fully stackable to the BAS-ECE at NPC, providing students with a pathway to teacher certification in PreK-3rd grade. The AAEC also includes the AGEC requirements for ease of transfer to a state university in Arizona.
- Learn about transferring credits from community college to a university at AZtransfer.
- See list of NPC transfer course options.
- For more information about transfer degrees, please contact an NPC Academic Advisor. Also see the current NPC College Catalog and class schedule.
Labs and Classrooms
Most Early Childhood classes require a practicum component in settings with children birth to 5 or Kindergarten-3rd grade. Practicum allows students to practice what they are learning in classes in hands-on environments under the guidance of a practicum supervisor.
Entry Requirements
Students in this program are required to complete 16–32 hours of practicum for each Early Childhood course for which a practicum is a requirement. A current Identity Verified Prints (IVP) card with Level 1 clearance is required by practicum sites where students work or volunteer. Prior to enrolling in Early Childhood courses, you must provide proof of current IVP card with Level 1 clearance. If you need assistance accessing fingerprint clearance, or you do not have access to an early childhood practicum setting, contact the Educator Preparation Programs Department before registering for classes.
Work Environment
Graduates who go on to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education may work in district or charter schools, private schools, or other PreK-3rd grade settings.
Potential Job Titles
Preschool teacher, elementary school teacher K-3 grade.
Articulations
The NPC Associate of Arts in Early Childhood degree is a transfer degree. The general education component of the AAEC degree fulfills the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A). When completed, the 35 credits of the AGEC-A will transfer to the three public Arizona state universities as a block that meets all lower division general education requirements.
Locations
Contact Information
2251 E. Navajo Blvd.
Nizhoni Learning Center, room 148
Holbrook,
AZ 86025
NPC Early Childhood Studies
Northland Pioneer College
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