Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program is designed to develop understanding of young children and their needs (birth to five years). Students gain knowledge of the intellectual, physical, social and emotional principles critical to working with young children. The program, which leads to the associate of arts degree, includes courses on nutrition, family relations, developing age appropriate curriculum and child development. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge through practical experiences in a variety of early care and education settings.

The emphasis on a quality environment and educational experience for children birth through kindergarten has increased the demand for early childhood educators. This program provides graduates with the appropriate course work and prepares graduates to meet this demand.

Examples of careers for the graduate of this program are: teacher assistants in public school preschool programs, early care and education professionals in childcare facilities, family service providers, family advocates, or Head Start teachers.

Admission Requirements

Application, along with the $40 non-refundable fee, and all supporting materials (transcripts, ACT scores, etc.) must be received by WKU by the dates indicated below. If you have previously attended WKU as an undergraduate student the application fee is not required. Prospective students can apply online at http://www.wku.edu/admissions.

Request all documents listed below for your admissions level. Records submitted as supporting documentation for this application become the property of Western Kentucky University and cannot be returned.

Beginning Freshman

Definition:

A student who has not attended a college or university after high school graduation.

Records Needed:

An official high school transcript (no faxed transcripts accepted) and ACT or SAT scores.

Transfer

Definition:

A student who has attended one or more colleges or universities since high school graduation, but has not attended WKU.

Records Needed:

An official transcript from each college attended (No faxed transcripts are accepted. Transcripts without the official seal or those marked unofficial cannot be used.) If you have fewer than 24 semester hours of college credit earned, you must also submit your high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores.

Non-Degree Seeking

Definition:

A student who is not seeking a degree from WKU.

Records Needed:

No records are needed.

Readmission

Definition:

A student who has attended WKU since high school graduation.

Records Needed:

An official transcript from each college attended, other than WKU.

Deadlines for Admission Applications

Kentucky and Out-of-State Residents

• Fall Semester: August 1
• Spring Semester: January 1
• Summer Term: May 1

International Students

• Fall Semester: April 1
• Spring Semester: September 1
• Summer Term: March 1

Program Requirements

The Associate of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education requires 67 semester hours. It includes courses in general education, child development, family studies, assessment, and curriculum concepts, and managing early childhood programs for all children. Field experience hours give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a variety of early childhood settings while obtaining the needed experience as future job applicants.

General Education Requirements

Category A

• English 100
• SCOM 145 or 161

Category B

• English 200

Category C

• History 119 or 120
• PSY 100 (also required for program)

Category D

• Math 109 or 116
• Science Elective

Total General Education Hours: 21

Content Courses

• CFS 180 Foundations in FCS
• CFS 111 Human Nutrition
• CFS 191 Child Development
• CFS 192 Working with Young Children and Families
• CFS 198 Guidance and Problem Solving Approaches for Young Children
• CFS 292 Diversity in Early Childhood Programs
• CFS 294 Assessment of Young Children
• CFS 295 Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
• CFS 296 Curriculum for Preschool and Kindergarten
• CFS 297 Family, Community, and Early Childhood Program Partnerships
• CFS 299 Administration of Early Childhood Programs
• CFS 311 or SOC 220 Family Relations
• CFS 313 Practicum in Human Environments
• LME 318 Children’s Literature
• SWK 101 Foundations of Human Services
• SFTY 171 Safety and First Aid

Total Content Hours: 46

Total hours required for program: 67

Department Contact Information

Department of Consumer & Family Sciences
Academic Complex 302
Phone: (270) 745-4352
Fax: (270) 745-3999
Email: cfs@wku.edu