Program Coordinator
Patrick O'Leary (330) 941-3343 pmoleary@ysu.edu
Overview
Our Associate of Applied Sciences degree program in Early Childhood prepares students for Associate Licensure in Pre-Kindergarten Education, providing the credentials necessary to teach in or manage licensed daycare and preschool programs. Beyond the classroom, students gain significant practical experience by completing 300 hours of clinical fieldwork integrated into their required courses.
The program is designed for completion over four semesters, with an average load of 15–18 credit hours. Additionally, YSU offers an accelerated pathway for established professionals by recognizing the CDA credential as credit for three courses toward the degree. Graduates become eligible for state licensure upon successfully passing the Pre-K Praxis examination.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS | ||
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar | 1-2 |
| or YSU 1500S | Youngstown State University Success Seminar | |
| or HONR 1500 | Intro to Honors | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| MATH 2623 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3-5 |
| or MATH 2623C | Quantitative Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support | |
| A & H or NS Elective (one course must include a lab) | 3-4 | |
| PSYC 1560 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CMST 1545 | Communication Foundations | 3 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| CHFM 1514 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CHFM 1530 | Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care | 3 |
| CHFM 2633 | Early Childhood: Integrating Development and Education | 3 |
| CHFM 3765 | Assessment of Children in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| CHFM 3770 | Wellness During the Early Childhood Years | 3 |
| CHFM 2664 | Effective Classroom Management and Positive Guidance in the Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| CHFM 3733L | Practicum in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| CHFM 3750 | Families, Communities and Schools | 3 |
| CHFM 3790 | Directed Practice in PreK Education | 4 |
| CHFM 3790S | Directed Practice Seminar | 2 |
| ELIS 2601 | Development, Learning and the Arts | 3 |
| HEPE 2624 | Physical Education for Children in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| SPED 2630 | Individuals with Exceptionalities in Society | 3 |
| SPED 2630L | Individuals with Exceptionalities in Society Laboratory Experience | 0 |
| CHFM 3755 | Parenting | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 61-66 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | S.H. | |
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar or Youngstown State University Success Seminar or Intro to Honors | 1-2 |
| CHFM 1514 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education (or) | 3 |
| ENGL 1550 or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 or Writing 1 with Support | 3-4 |
| PSYC 1560 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CMST 1545 | Communication Foundations | 3 |
| Gen Ed AH or NS Course | 3-4 | |
| Semester Hours | 16-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHFM 1530 | Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care | 3 |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| CHFM 2633 | Early Childhood: Integrating Development and Education | 3 |
| CHFM 3755 | Parenting | 3 |
| HEPE 2624 | Physical Education for Children in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPED 2630 | Individuals with Exceptionalities in Society | 3 |
| SPED 2630L | Individuals with Exceptionalities in Society Laboratory Experience | 0 |
| CHFM 3765 | Assessment of Children in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| CHFM 3770 | Wellness During the Early Childhood Years | 3 |
| CHFM 3733L | Practicum in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| CHFM 3750 | Families, Communities and Schools | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHFM 2664 | Effective Classroom Management and Positive Guidance in the Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| ELIS 2601 | Development, Learning and the Arts | 3 |
| CHFM 3790 | Directed Practice in PreK Education | 4 |
| CHFM 3790S | Directed Practice Seminar | 2 |
| MATH 2623 or MATH 2623C | Quantitative Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning with Co-Requisite Support | 3-5 |
| Semester Hours | 15-17 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 61-66 | |
- 1
- 2
May add General Education Requirements listed as possible summer courses to any of the four semesters
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the Pre-kindergarten program, graduates will be able to:
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Involve families in learning.
- Assess a child's development in five developmental domains.
- Recognize and use ethical guidelines and professional standards related to early childhood practice.