Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood and Childhood Education (A.A.)

The Liberal Arts and Sciences: Early Childhood & Childhood Education, A.A. degree is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college to pursue teacher certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), or both. The program provides a strong academic foundation in liberal arts, child development, and teaching practices. Students also complete guided fieldwork in local classrooms and childcare settings to explore the teaching profession and gain early experience working with children.

With the help of dedicated education advisors, students select courses that meet SUNY General Education requirements and begin building a concentration area aligned with transfer institutions. Most students transfer to four-year institutions to complete a bachelor’s degree in teacher education and meet state certification requirements.

Please note: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to graduate from this program; however, many transfer institutions require a higher GPA for admission to teacher preparation programs. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with both OCC and four-year college advisors to ensure a smooth transfer pathway.

While this degree is designed for transfer, it also equips students with practical knowledge and classroom experience that can support entry-level roles in educational or childcare settings.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood and Childhood Education, A.A. degree is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professional preparation needed to guide and support young learners from birth through grade 6 in diverse educational settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply key theories in child development, learning, and early education to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of children from birth through grade 6.
2. Develop a personal philosophy of education that integrates core beliefs, current research, and developmental principles, critically reflecting on the needs of young children and early learners.
3. Use purposeful observation, field experiences, and collaboration with families and colleagues to critically analyze teaching practices, child behavior, and learning environments.
4. Design and implement inclusive, equitable learning environments that address bias, demonstrate cultural awareness, and promote fairness in education, building positive relationships with all stakeholders.
5. Model professionalism, integrity, and ethical responsibility in interactions with children, families, colleagues, and communities, demonstrating effective communication and building trust in early learning environments.

Essential Skills & Dispositions

Students enrolled in the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood and Childhood Education, A.A. program are expected to demonstrate the following essential skills and dispositions, with or without reasonable accommodations:

1. Emotional stability and psychological well-being to effectively support children, families, peers, and faculty.
2. Interpersonal skills to build respectful, collaborative, and professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
3. Clear written and oral communication appropriate for academic and classroom settings.
4. Critical thinking and sound judgment to support effective instructional decisions.
5. Personal and professional qualities such as integrity, empathy, reliability, and a commitment to ethical practice.

These competencies are observed and supported throughout coursework, advising, and field experiences. Students who would benefit from additional guidance in developing these areas are encouraged to reach out to their advisor or the program coordinator early in their academic journey.

Students participating in fieldwork or classroom observations are expected to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and preparedness at all times. These experiences are a vital part of teacher preparation and reflect both on the individual and the institution.

Specializations, Tracks, or Options

The Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood & Childhood Education, A.A. program offers two specializations designed to align with common transfer programs:

1. Early Childhood & Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6) – This joint track prepares students for transfer into teacher education programs leading to dual certification in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Coursework and field experiences address developmental stages across both age groups.

2. Childhood Education (Grade 1 - Grade 6) – This track is designed for students planning to transfer into teacher preparation programs focused on working with children between grades 1 and 6. Students complete coursework in liberal arts, child development, and education and focus on a discipline concentration, all aligned with New York State certification requirements.

Additionally, the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Early Childhood & Childhood Education, A.A. program is offered as at least 50% online, providing flexibility for students while maintaining rigorous academic standards.