Degrees & Certificates Offered
Associate in Science Degree Program (AS)
The Associate in Science (AS) degree program prepares students for immediate employment as teachers in private early childhood programs. There are two options for the AS degree program. The Early Childhood Education – Preschool Option prepares students for immediate employment as teachers in private early childhood programs for children ages 2-6 year old. The Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler Option prepares students for immediate employment as infant/toddler caregivers in private early childhood programs for children from birth to 3 years old. This is the only Infant/Toddler specialization degree offered in the State of Hawai‘i. The course of study leading to the AS degree is developmentally based and emphasizes observation and opportunities to participate in programs with children through class assignments and field experiences, both on campus and in the community. The program provides candidates with varied opportunities to develop their skills for working with children and families and with a general understanding of the field of early education and care. Students who successfully complete this degree may transfer to the Early Childhood Concentration in the Social Sciences Program at the University of Hawai‘i-West O’ahu. The AS degree in Early Childhood Education meets all requirements of that program for lower division course work.
To complete the degree, students must demonstrate proficiency at the English 100 and Math 100 levels. To successfully complete the program, students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.
Certificate of Competence Initial Early Childhood Education (CO-IECE)
The Certificate of Competence for Initial Early Childhood Education is obtained by completing three courses, ECED 105, ECED 110, and ECED 131, which meet the formal training requirement of the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.
Certificate of Competence for an Early Childhood Education Practitioner I (CO-ECEPI)
The Certificate of Competence for an Early Childhood Education Practitioner I requires a 16-credit sequence designed to give the candidate the most basic skills needed to work with children from infancy through eight years of age. This certificate also meets the ECE/CD coursework requirements of the Department of Human Services (DHS) for teachers and lead caregivers who hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a field other than early childhood. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.
Certificate of Competence for an Infant-Toddler Caregiver (CO-ITC)
The Certificate of Competence for an Infant-Toddler Caregiver requires a 21-credit sequence designed to meet the Department of Human Services (DHS) requirements for both coursework and work experience to become an Infant-Toddler Caregiver. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.
Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education-Preschool (CA)
The Certificate of Achievement-Preschool is obtained by completing 32 credits of core courses in Early Childhood Education. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all courses with an ECED alpha.
Workplace Requirements in Early Childhood Education and Care Setting
Current TB clearance and medical clearance (within the last 12 months), and a criminal history record check are a workplace requirement in early education and care settings and must be complete for practicum placements. The cost of the criminal history record check; currently $13.25, is the responsibility of the student.
Prior Learning Credit
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program recognizes that learning takes place in a variety of environments, not just in a college classroom. Work experience, professional development, volunteer training, and community involvement in the ECE field, for example, may be considered college-equivalent learning. The ECE program has created several options for Prior Learning Credit for students to demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills and request for credit in lieu of completing coursework.
Students with a current Child Development Associate (CDA), awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, may apply for credits for ECED 105, ECED 110, ECED 151F, and ECED 151S by submitting an official CDA certificate to the ECED academic counselor.
Credit by Examination is available for ECED 105, ECED 110, and ECED 131. Eligible students who learned the course content through previous training or experience, but did not receive college credit for the course may apply for credit by examination by contacting the ECE Program Coordinator.
A Portfolio-Based Assessment (PBA) is a type of Prior Learning Credit where students prepare a portfolio to provide evidence of learning aligned with course learning outcomes. Students will also present their portfolio. The documentation and presentation is reviewed by a committee of ECE experts who determine if the student’s documentation and evidence meets the course learning outcomes for the requested course. If the determination is positive, the student receives credits applicable to the requested course. PBA’s are available for ECED 115 and ECED 245.
Articulation Agreements
- Honolulu CC-Hawai‘i at Mānoa UHM: Articulation Agreement – April 2019 (PDF)
- Multi-Campus (Between HonCC, Hawaii CC, Kauai CC, UH Maui College, UH West Oahu): Articulation Agreement – January 2016 (PDF)
