Early Childhood Education, AA
The AA in Elementary Education is appropriate for students who require practical and professional skills and knowledge that can lead to upper division programs in elementary education, special education, and prepares para-educators.
Degree Map
Program Information
The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education (AA ECE) Degree is appropriate for students working in early childhood environments who want to increase their knowledge, practical and professional skills in the field, and for students who want to pursue advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education teacher certification.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Contact Information
Questions about this pathway?
Chris Emlet
ECE Lead Faculty/Director
Phone: 480.677.7790
chris.emlet@centralaz.edu
Academic Program Assistant
Phone: 520-494-5477
ECENews@centralaz.edu
Transfer, Career, Apprentice and Scholarship Resources
Transfer Center
Many students who start their college career at Central Arizona College plan to continue on for a bachelor’s degree. If you plan to transfer, our Transfer Center has many resources to help you make the most of your time at CAC and plan for a smooth and successful transfer.
If you are interested in transferring to a university to complete a baccalaureate degree please schedule an appointment with an ECE advisor or visit the Transfer Center.
We currently have transfer agreements in place with the following universities:
Career Center
The Career Center is where students can find up-to-date resources in career assessment, resume development, interview preparation, and internships and more.
Apprenticeship Opportunity
Arizona Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Pathway
The Arizona Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Pathway is a 2-year program designed to provide job seekers and early learning professionals with a blend of college coursework, mentorship and on the job experience resulting in a more highly trained workforce and increased compensation for those who complete the program. Visit centralaz.edu/azeceapprenticeship for more information.
Scholarship Opportunities
Professional Career Pathway Project
Professional Certificate Pathway Project (PCPP) is a scholarship funded by the Department of Economic Security Child Care Administration through Federal Child Care Development Block Grant Funds. If you are currently working in the field of early childhood (in an AZDES certified family child care or center based program) PCPP will pay college tuition for up to 18 credits a year and provide a stipend for books. Visit centralaz.edu/pcpp for more information.
1.520.494.5257
pcppadmin@centralaz.edu
First Things First College Scholarship
The FTF College Scholarship provides the early childhood workforce working directly with or on behalf of young children birth through age five access to education and training to achieve degrees, credentials and specialized skills to promote children’s development. For more information please review the following links:
General Information – FTF College Scholarship Program.
Application Process – Tutorial
Student Checklist – Scholarship Application Checklist
1.855.818.6613
info@thearizonaregistry.org
Resources and Information
Early Learning Centers
The ECE Department, in collaboration with the Easterseals Blake Foundation, provides year-round child care at Early Learning Centers at the Signal Peak Campus and Superstition Mountain Campuses. The Centers also serve as lab sites for field experience for CAC students.
The centers accept DES subsidies and CCAMPIS child care scholarships are available for Pell-Eligible students. Click here to learn more.
Other Helpful Resources and Links
Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children
Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network
Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry
Somos Enlace Early Childhood Student Organization
Faculty and Staff
Chris Emlet
ECE Lead Faculty/Director
1.480.677.7790
chris.emlet@centralaz.edu
Academic Program Assistant
Phone: 520-494-5477
ECENews@centralaz.edu