Chair, Social Sciences Division
850.872.3826
rsaunder2@gulfcoast.edu
Senior Administrative AssistantMs. Jody Walton
210 Social Sciences Building
850.872.3825
jwalton1@gulfcoast.edu
Visit the Social Sciences Website
ACCESS THE PROGRAM ROADMAPEarly Childhood Education - AA
If you are interested in teaching early childhood ages birth to five years of age, this is a great University Transfer Track for you. You may qualify for a Florida professional teaching certificate in early childhood education, with successful completion of a four-year degree at a university, and upon obtaining appropriate teaching certification requirements.
Your first step towards a successful career in teaching is Gulf Coast State College’s Early Childhood Education University Transfer Track!
Early Childhood Education Program Course Requirements
ENC1102, English II
Visual and Performing Arts
Philosophy/Religion
Literature
MAC1105, College Algebra
MAC2311, Calculus with Analytical Geometry I
MGF1106, Mathematics for Liberal Arts
MGF1107, Survey of Mathematics
STA2023, Statistics
Physical Sciences
Biological Sciences
AMH2010 or AMH 2020, U.S. History I or II
Government
EDF1005, Introduction to the Teaching Profession
EDF2085, Introduction to Diversity for Educators
EME2040, Introduction to Technology for Educators
Select 15 hours:
Recommended Electives:
SYG2000, Principles of Sociology
DEP2001, Infant and Child Psychology
EEC2240, Social Studies and Creative Expression for Young Children
What can you do with a Early Childhood Education A.A. Degree?
In this field, people find careers as:
Child Development Center Teacher or Manager
Home Visitor
Preschool or Infant Teacher
Early Intervention Associate
Child Development Center Curriculum Coordinator
Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
Florida International University
Are There any Special Admission Requirements for the University Transfer Track in Early Childhood Education?
- Before entering the classroom for observations, you would be required by the State of Florida to have a Level 2 background clearance issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Once written verification of a completed and approved background clearance is submitted to Gulf Coast State College, you may complete on-site requirements.
- You must attend and comply with requirements of school systems where observations are conducted. GCSC has articulation agreements with Gulf, Franklin, and Bay School Districts for classroom observations.
- You must pay all costs associated with the background clearance.
- For more information concerning required classes go to the Course Requirements webpage and click on "requirements".
What Jobs Could I Get by Completing GCSC's Early Childhood Education A.A. Program?
You would be able to seek employment after completing the two-year Early Childhood Education AA degree program, as a teacher in child care and preschool programs.
How much Can I Expect to Earn as an Early Childhood Education Teacher?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the national median pay for preschool teachers in 2014 was $28,120.00 per year (Associate’s
degree education level). As a preschool teacher, with an associate degree, you could
average $28,120 annually.
As a preschool teacher at the elementary school level, which usually requires a four-year
degree, you could average $43,930.00 annually.
Meet Lynne Eldridge, GCSC Student Instructor
"The field of early childhood education reflects a partnership between the three institutions most critical to a growing community; business, education, and family. This is the platform that separates GCSC from other educational institutions. More than teaching the concepts of child development, or theories of education, GCSC helps students experience the connection to the power of life-long learning." – Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest FloridaAre you ready to Get Started?
Apply to GCSC
Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.
Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.