Early Childhood Education

Developing a passion for learning starts at an early age. The passion for teaching the youngest of minds should also be fostered and honed to ensure educators are on the leading edge of educational practice.

Why choose Garrett for Early Childhood Education?

Garrett College Teacher Education programs are highly committed to providing pre-service teachers with the highest quality education to properly prepare them for the rigors of teaching in the 21st century. By educating teacher candidates in theory, analytical thinking, practical methods, and the latest proven methods, we strive to give candidates the necessary tools to become effective and efficient educational leaders.

NOTE: Garrett's Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution. The A.A. degree program discussed here is designed for transfer to institutions outside the state of Maryland. Students planning to transfer within the state of Maryland should follow the Early Childhood Education/Special Education A.A.T. program.

Teacher Education Degrees

Garrett College awards an Associate in Arts degree to graduates of the Teacher Education Early Childhood Education concentration.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate competency in written and oral communication appropriate to their teacher education focus.
Students will research, analyze, and evaluate learning theories, strategies, and technology relevant to classroom instruction.
Students will research and apply current instructional strategies, pedagogical trends, and best practices to curriculum development.
Students will develop and implement various forms of assessment to monitor and manage student learning.
Students will develop an in-depth understanding of basic concepts, terminology, and techniques appropriate to their area of study in teacher education.
Students will differentiate instruction for students of all abilities.
Students will create lesson plans and develop instructional strategies based on state curriculum and INTASC standards.

Program Benefits

Students in the Early Childhood Education program get high educational value at Garrett with the following:

Transferability of most credits in many regional four-year institutions
Broad educational foundation
Affordable start to a four-year degree

Career Goals

Garrett's Early Childhood Education program prepares you to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a career in any of the following general or specialty fields:

Pre-school
Day-care
Childrens' programming
Childrens' literature