Early Childhood Education Vision Statement

Early Childhood Education (ECE) spans from Birth to Age 8 or Third Grade. Children are born with about 25% of their brains developed and about 90% of brain development occurs by age 5. Investing in EC strengthens the role of the family in their child’s future. This investment improves the child’s performance in school. When young children are prepared with a solid foundation for schooling in their early childhood years, they are indeed SET for life!

Early Childhood Education Mission Statement

At Mesa Community College in the Early Childhood Education Program, our mission is to empower aspiring students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel in the dynamic field of early childhood education. Through innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, we are dedicated to nurturing a diverse community of learners who are equipped to positively impact young children's lives. Our program offers stackable credentials, including certificates of completion, Associates’ and a Bachelor's degree, ensuring that students have a clear pathway to professional success while fostering a lifelong passion for working with and on behalf of all children and in turn their families.

Accreditation

This AAS in Early Childhood Education degree is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. Additional related information is included on the program accreditation webpage.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program offers the following pathways for aspiring students:

For Early Education Professionals (birth - 3rd grade)

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) - Foundations of Early Childhood Education
  • (18-19 credits)
• Certificate of Completion (CCL) - Early Childhood Education
  • (36 credits)
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) - Early Childhood Education
  • (60-71 credits)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
  • (60-65 credits)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Educational Studies Early Childhood
  • (60-65 credits)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education - Dual Language
  • (120 credits)
  • For more information please visit our Bachelor's Degree webpage.

The coursework is offered in a range of formats: in-person, fully online, live online, and hybrid with synchronous in-person & virtual options.

Program Requirements Background Clearances and TB Testing Information: The State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance (Fingerprint Identity Verified Print (IVP) card and documentation of a negative Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test are required by child care programs and school districts for most field experiences. We recommend that you obtain your fingerprint clearance and TB test as early as possible in your program of study. Your background clearance must valid for the entire semester you are enrolled in a course that requires field experience. Be sure to maintain a file of your original clearances and TB test results where it is easily accessible.

IVP fingerprint clearance card process at https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint Be sure to request an IVP card, which is a step above a Level One card. Offenses that preclude obtaining a fingerprint card are per A.R.S. 41-1758.03