The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood (AAEC) degree offers foundational knowledge and competencies aligned with state and national standards for early childhood educator professional preparation. In Arizona, certified and endorsed early childhood educators are required to have specific coursework and practicum experiences in early childhood. The AAEC supports students who wish to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree and who may have an interest in teaching in a public school (preschool - 3rd grade) as a state certified and/or endorsed educator.
The AAEC degree is an appropriate option for students pursuing transfer to an Arizona Department of Education approved Educator Preparation Program.
The AAEC fulfills both the set of lower division general education requirements of the Arizona General Education Curriculum and a portion of Arizona’s requirements for teacher certification and endorsement.
