Early Childhood

The early childhood curriculum is designed to provide the general education requirements and core early childhood education courses for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.  Electives must meet the Early Childhood Concentration Associate in Science requirements. Students should coordinate with the education department of the transfer college or university. The Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Degree Program will prepare students for a career in the education of children from birth to age eight.  This program is a workforce program that trains preschool teachers, administrators, paras, child care providers, and nanny’s to mention just a few positions where recent Barton graduates are currently sharing their passions and skills. Ready to get started? Request a Program Brochure! 

Why Barton?

• Dedicated faculty with a passion for teaching and the process of learning
• Cutting edge program ready to empower you to meet the demands and needs of today’s world
• Hands-on curriculum that will allow you to start building the tools needed for the career field
• State of Kansas Early Learning Standards are embedded in Barton’s curriculum
• Self-care and forward thinking information are shared in courses across the curriculum. 
• High quality online classes with qualified instructors
• Technology in the classroom: Computer technology, interactive DVD’s, iPods, etc.
• Complete teacher resource room available to all Early Childhood students
• A hands-on, interactive, fun, play-based approach to learning with a purpose
• Every day provides new and different learning opportunities
• Watch and enjoy children learning through on-site practicum and internships
• First hand infant, toddler and preschool sensory experiences

Job possibilities with two-year degree:

Paraprofessional in special education or Title 1 schools, professional nanny, family childcare provider, infant/toddler teacher, preschool teacher, Parents As Teacher educator, Head Start, after school program director, vacation or cruise ship children’s activity director, child care director

Job possibilities with four-year degree:

• Early Childhood Unified teacher (Birth to 8 years regular or special education)
• Head Start Teacher
• Child Care Director
• Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy
• Speech Pathologist 
• Autism Specialist 
• Infant/Toddler or preschool special education teacher

Work Environment

Children learn mainly through play and interactive activities. Teachers capitalize on children’s play to further language and vocabulary development, improve social skills, and introduce scientific and mathematical concepts. Thus, a less structured approach, including small-group lessons, one-on-one instruction, and learning through creative activities is adopted to teach children. The process of helping children grow, learn, and gain new skills is very rewarding. New activities, challenges and flexibility make each day important. Early childhood education prepares one both physically and emotionally to work constantly with children at their level while attending to their interests and needs.

Early Childhood Resources

• Face to face and online coursework to accommodate working schedules
• State of Kansas Early Learning Standards embedded in coursework
• College to University Agreements with multiple universities
• Practicum and Internship opportunities for qualified participants