Early Childhood Education

Certificate, A.A.S. Degree

All courses are offered through distance delivery, both asynchronous and with audio or video support for the convenience of students. Face-to-face classes are scheduled in Fairbanks and around the state as needed. These Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs improve the skills of those already in the field and prepare those seeking employment as early care and education teachers, K-3 teachers aides, and child care providers.

Graduates are in high demand and have a wide range of employment opportunities. They can choose to travel the world as civilian support for the military Child and Youth Services or stay in Alaska working for Head Start programs, child welfare agencies, recreation services, schools, or child care programs. Diverse opportunities for employment include staff training, program licensing, and entrepreneurial initiatives serving children and families. Contrary to times in the past, graduates are now able to receive fair compensation including good salaries and benefits. The A.A.S. program at UAF was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in July 2019. 

The ECE programs are for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire to retrain for employment in this profession. Through course work, including fieldwork directly with children, students gain the knowledge and skills they need to meet State of Alaska requirements for employment as administrators or teachers in licensed centers and as aides in elementary schools. Course work also fulfills minor or concentration requirements for degrees in other disciplines. Students entering any ECE program should meet with an early childhood advisor to discuss a specific course of study. The courses for the A.A.S. degree can be combined with other disciplines to make a specific focus on young children in areas such as science, movement, leadership, business. or creative arts.

Minimum Requirements for Early Childhood Education degrees: Certificate: 34 credits; A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits

Community and Technical College
Early Childhood Education
907-455-2800