Early Childhood Multicultural Education (AA), Infant Family Studies Concentration

School of Education (ED)

The Early Childhood Multicultural Education Infant Family Studies Concentration is designed for educators in the field of early childhood, home visiting and early intervention. The Infant Family Studies concentration in Early Childhood will transfer to a bachelor’s program at Eastern New Mexico University.

Students pursuing a degree in Infant Family Studies can complete an Infant Family Studies Certificate of Achievement  and a Child Development Certificate  while working towards the associate degree. Students who complete these certificates at CNM are eligible to apply for state certificates offered by the New Mexico Office of Child Development. For more information, contact the Office of Child Development.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Students completing all of the early childhood 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.

Students completing the Infant Family Studies degree concentration may apply for initial certification as a Developmental Specialist I Advanced through the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

This Associates of Arts program meets the universal coursework requirements as established by the New Mexico Early Childhood Higher Education Task Force acting under the authority of the New Mexico Early Learning Advisory Council.
Students transferring to a four-year college of education for a bachelor’s degree in education will need passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) upon program completion.  For more information on the Praxis Core, please go to: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nm

Special Requirements

• Students must pass 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.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.
  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule
  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Career Opportunities

Students in early childhood are immediately employable upon graduation. Well-qualified educators are needed as early care and education teachers, public school educational assistants, Head Start teachers, administrators, early interventionists, and home visitors. Students are encouraged to continue with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood to become qualified for additional career opportunities.

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.