Early Childhood Education

Associate in Early Childhood Education

(575) 527-7630

The Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become highly qualified teachers, assistant teachers, or family day care providers in professional child care for children ages birth through eight years. Students will gain a broad understanding of the specific needs of young children and develop strategies for meeting those needs. They may choose to continue their education at any four-year institution in New Mexico.

The DACC program includes the lower division courses required for entry into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a baccalaureate program at New Mexico State University. Completion of this program does NOT guarantee admission into a Teacher Education Program at a four-year institution. Early in their second year of study at DACC, students should contact the four-year institution they have chosen to obtain application information.

Students in the Education Program are required to complete and pass a security background check in order to take practicum courses. Past criminal violations may pre-vent a student from completing the degree and from being hired by school systems or other child care facilities upon graduation.

Associate Degree (68 credits)

NOTE: Courses preceded by an asterisk (*) are required to apply for the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Courses in bold are part of the New Mexico Common Core.