This degree is designed for students who are working or would like to work in the field of early childhood, which includes PreK-3rd grade in the elementary schools. This Associate of Arts degree is fully transferable to any college or university in New Mexico with an early childhood associate or bachelor’s degree.
Students pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Administration can earn a 7-year provisional certificate in Early Childhood Program Administration from the New Mexico Office of Child Development. This certificate meets CYFD regulations for director qualifications. For more information, contact the Office of Child Development at (505) 827-7946.
Students completing all of the ECME coursework within any degree concentration are eligible to apply for the One Year Vocational Certificate issued by the New Mexico Office of Child Development. For more information, contact the Office of Child Development at (505) 827-7946.
Special Requirements
Students may be required to undergo a TB test and a criminal background check prior to beginning their field / practicum experience. All courses required for transfer must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B, C, etc. For courses offered only for credit / no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.
Career and Educational Opportunities
Students from all concentrations of studies are employed almost immediately upon graduation. There is tremendous need for well-qualified early care and education workers in some of the following areas: child care, educational assistants, head start and early care teachers, early care administration, early intervention and home visiting. Work is available with programs such as Head Start, Even Start, private and public child-care facilities and preschools serving the needs of children birth to age five. Private and public schools also employ students as educational assistants.
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