Early Childhood (AAS)

Program Prerequisite: Before beginning this program, a student must see the department advisor in McKay Education Building Room 248 (801-626-6411).
Grade Requirements: An overall GPA of 2.00 or C and a grade of C or better in required courses. Students will receive the final grade they have earned in each course. If a grade in a major course does not meet the minimum requirement for graduation, the student may retake the course once. In special circumstances, by the judgment of the department chair, the student may petition to the Family Studies or Early Childhood Committee, as appropriate, to graduate with the lower grade.
Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 63 credit hours is required for graduation; 29-31 of these are required within the major.
Program Code: 5000AAS
CIPC: 190706

Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the department advisor located in the McKay Education Building, Room 248 (801-626-6411). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.)

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study (see Program of Study (Major/Minor) Declaration ).

Students enrolling in CHF 2610 - Guidance Based on Developmental Theory and CHF 2620 - Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children will be working with families and children; the State of Utah requires a background check and clearance. Applicants must be fingerprinted and complete a background check before being fully accepted into the program. A handout available from the department secretary explains the procedure and nominal expenses. If the background check reveals misconduct, you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others which include field experience, practica or student teaching. Background checks require up to eight weeks and should be completed, or in progress, prior to enrolling in CHF 2610 and CHF 2620 . See the department secretary for further details.

General Education

Refer to Degree and General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science requirements. CHF 1500 will fulfill both a major and general education requirement and is prerequisite to most Child and Family Studies Department major courses.

Major Course Requirements for AAS Degree

Child & Family Courses Required (minimum of 29-31 credit hours)

CHF 1500 SS - Human Development Credits: (3)
CHF 2400 - Family Relations Credits: (3)
CHF 2500 - Development of the Child: Birth Through Eight Credits: (3)
CHF 2600 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education Credits: (3)
CHF 2610 - Guidance Based on Developmental Theory Credits: (3) (lab required)
CHF 2620 - Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children Credits: (3) (lab required)
CHF 2860 - Practicum Credits: (2-6) (4-6 credit hours required) *
CHF 2990A - Seminar in Child Development Credits: (1) *
CHF 3500 - Young Children at Risk Credits: (3)
CHF 3640 - Working with Parents Credits: (3)

Note:

* Should be taken concurrently and after all other CHF classes are completed. CHF 4710 and CHF 4720 will also fulfill this requirement. Must make application and deadline for Practicum Experience.

Electives (minimum 18 credit hours)

Select 18 additional credit hours with the approval of an advisor. Seek additional depth in Child and Family Studies and also select courses from across campus to enhance teaching competency in the areas of Art, Science, Literature, Music, Health & First Aid, etc.

Note:

Advisors will suggest specific appropriate courses. Students should work closely with an advisor if they are planning to go on for a future Early Childhood baccalaureate or a teaching certificate.