• Early Childhood Department
  Early Childhood, A.A.S.
  

Child Care Track

The Child Care Track is designed to provide the kinds of experiences that would benefit students who plan to start a career immediately after completing the two-year AAS degree program.

There is an increasing need by childcare centers for practitioners trained in childcare who are sensitive to the needs of today's families. Students in this concentration have similar preparation to the Teacher Education Track; however they will focus their practical training in a childcare facility. They will spend a semester working at the Cobleskill Campus Child Care Center, planning and organizing experiences for infants, toddlers, 3-5 or 6-10 year-olds.

Students develop leadership skills and strategies necessary for becoming an effective staff member and classroom teacher.

Teacher Education Track

Students in this track follow the traditional Early Childhood curriculum and participate in practicum experiences that prepare them for transfer or employment as Early Childhood professionals. The most frequently selected careers for student who follow this concentration are elementary and special education, after transfer to an upper-level college. Articulation agreements with four-year institutions are continually being evaluated to ensure the best possible transfer.

Many students choose this track because they gain skills and knowledge that will enable them to be successful at an upper-level college. In addition, the student is better able to decide whether the education field (elementary, special, physical education, or art education) is right for them.