AA in Early Childhood Education (Online)

About the Early Childhood Education Associate of Arts Degree  

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Fisher College is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in early childhood education and childcare. Grounded in developmentally appropriate practices and best teaching methods, the program emphasizes intentional teaching, fostering a community of learners, enhancing development and learning, planning effective curricula, assessing children’s growth, and building reciprocal relationships with families and communities. 

The program values diverse learning styles and offers flexible, supportive environments where student success is a priority. Graduates are encouraged to be lifelong, collaborative learners who approach their work with knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives. With an emphasis on integrating knowledge from various sources, students become informed advocates for effective educational practices and policies. 

The program combines rigorous coursework with practicum experiences to ensure students are well-prepared for careers as childcare professionals. Per Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care regulations, students must complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint screenings before beginning their practicum placements. 

Licensure Requirements 

Fisher Colleges Early Education and Care Program is designed to meet certification for early childhood education (birth -5) in all 50 states but is not a public-school licensure program. Students seeking professional licensure should contact the appropriate Department of Education licensing board in that state to verify licensure requirements. See list of licensure requirements for Early Childhood Centers by state

Learning Outcomes 

This program will provide students with the opportunity to develop the following competencies and the ability to: 

• Develop a solid content knowledge base in child development theories that enables them to deliver effective educational and professional services based on current research, theory and practice. 

• Design, implement and evaluate environments and curriculum activities that support positive, developmental play and learning for all young children.  

• Demonstrate the skills to establish and maintain positive collaborative relationships with families. 

• Identify informal assessment strategies to plan and individualize curriculum to meet the needs of each child physically, socio/emotionally, linguistically, cognitively, creatively and in a culturally appropriate  manner.  

• Develop and implement strategies that promote partnerships between programs, teachers, families, and their diverse communities.

• Identify and demonstrate ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practices. 

*Based on continuous enrollment of two courses every term. Time to completion may be shorter based on eligible transfer credit or longer if course enrollment varies.