Early Childhood Education (AAS)
Associate Of Applied Science (AAS)
LSC-Montgomery
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Early Childhood Education (AAS) is an Associate Of Applied Science (AAS) program offered by Lone Star College in Conroe, TX. The program takes 60 credit hours to complete, with a total tuition of $6,660.
Program Overview
- The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education at Lone Star College provides students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to begin a career working with young children from birth through age eight. The program emphasizes child development, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum planning, and classroom management, giving students the tools to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.
- Students gain hands-on experience through field-based learning in early care and education settings, applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world practice. The curriculum is aligned with state and national early childhood education standards, ensuring graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce.
- Graduates of the AAS program are qualified for positions such as lead or assistant teachers in childcare centers, Head Start programs, and early learning facilities. The degree also provides a pathway for students who wish to continue their education through transfer into the BAS in Early Childhood Education & Teaching or related bachelor’s programs.
- Program Highlights
- The AAS in Early Childhood Education at Lone Star College offers an affordable and accessible path for students preparing to enter the early childhood workforce or continue their education. With courses available across multiple campuses in the Houston metroplex, the program is designed to meet the needs of working students and those balancing school with family responsibilities.
- Students gain immediate, hands-on experience through field-based learning in childcare centers, Head Start programs, and early learning classrooms. This practical training, combined with coursework in child development, curriculum, and classroom management, ensures graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions such as childcare teachers, assistant teachers, and program aides.
- In addition to providing direct workforce preparation, the AAS is structured to support seamless transfer to a variety of bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education and related fields. This flexibility allows students to build on their associate degree as they pursue advanced credentials and broader career opportunities.
- Credentials and Careers
- Students in the AAS in Early Childhood Education will build a strong foundation in supporting the learning and development of children from birth through age eight. Graduates will be prepared to create safe and inclusive learning environments and apply strategies that foster children’s growth across all developmental domains.
- Upon completion, graduates will be qualified for positions in childcare facilities, Head Start programs, early learning centers, and other community-based educational settings. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to continue their education by transferring into a bachelor’s program in early childhood education or a related field.
- Transferability
- Graduates of the AAS in Early Childhood Education may apply to transfer into bachelor’s programs in Early Childhood Education or related fields at Texas public universities, private institutions, and selected out-of-state institutions.
- General education (core) courses completed in the AAS degree are designated for transfer to Texas public institutions and may also apply toward degree requirements at private and out-of-state institutions.
- Some technical coursework may also be transferable to other institutions, depending on the receiving program’s policies.
Program Schedule
- This award requires 60 credit hours in total.
- Lone Star College reports 1216 contact hours for this award.
- Where the course list shows "Choose N credit hours", those courses are the options for one elective slot, not additional requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of child growth and development to create learning experiences that support physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote learning across content areas for children from birth through age eight.
- Use observation and assessment strategies to document children’s progress, guide instructional decisions, and communicate effectively with families and colleagues.
- Demonstrate effective classroom management skills that establish safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.
- Integrate developmentally appropriate instructional practices that supports the success of all learners and their families.
- Incorporate technology and instructional resources to enhance teaching, learning, and family communication.
- Collaborate with families, colleagues, and community partners to support holistic child development and educational success.
- Exhibit professional and ethical behavior in accordance with standards of the early childhood education profession, including reflective practice and commitment to continuous growth.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
- Tuition shown is the in-district rate of $111.00 per credit hour for 60 credit hours.
- Out-of-district Texas residents pay $249.00 per credit hour ($14,940.00); international and out-of-state students pay $313.00 per credit hour ($18,780.00).
- Lab fees vary by course and liability insurance, uniforms and supplies vary by program, so Lone Star College publishes no all-in total for this award. Tuition above excludes them.
- Financial aid and payment plans are available to most students.
- Application fee: none. Lone Star College applications are free.
Background Check
- Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching and prior to employment as an educator.
- A person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person's potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
- A request for preliminary criminal history evaluation must be preceded by payment of the required criminal history evaluation fee. The request and fee must be submitted to TEA.
Career outlook
Government figures for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education · typical entry education: Associate's degree. These describe the occupation, not this school's graduates.
Advance your career
$35,070
median salary in Texas
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023.
$37,130
median salary nationally
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education.
+4%
projected change in employment, 2023–2033
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.
445,080
people employed in this occupation nationally
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024.
Related job titles
- After School Teacher
- Child Care Assistant Teacher
- Child Development Teacher
- Childcare Teacher
- Childhood Development Teacher
- Day Care Teacher
- Daycare Teacher
- Early Childhood Educator
- Early Childhood Teacher
Titles reported for this occupation by O*NET. Not a list of jobs this program guarantees.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ENGL1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| MATH1314 | College Algebra | 3 |
| HIST1301 | United States History I | 3 |
| GOVT2305 | Federal Government (Federal constitution & topics) | 3 |
| EDUC1301 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL1302 | Composition II | 3 |
| HIST1302 | United States History II | 3 |
| MATH1350 | Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I) | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Second Semester / Choose 4 credit hours | ||
| BIOL1406 | Biology for Science Majors I | 4 |
| BIOL1407 | Biology for Science Majors II | 4 |
| BIOL1408 | Biology for Non-Science Majors I | 4 |
| BIOL1409 | Biology for Non-Science Majors II | 4 |
| BIOL1414 | Introduction to Biotechnology I | 4 |
| BIOL1415 | Introduction to Biotechnology II | 4 |
| BIOL2401 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL2402 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL2404 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL2406 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| BIOL2420 | Microbiology for Non-Science Majors | 4 |
| BIOL2421 | Microbiology for Science Majors | 4 |
| CHEM1405 | Introduction Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM1407 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM2423 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM2425 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENVR1401 | Environmental Science I | 4 |
| ENVR1402 | Environmental Science II | 4 |
| GEOL1401 | Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I | 4 |
| GEOL1402 | Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors II | 4 |
| GEOL1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL1404 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL1405 | Environmental Science | 4 |
| GEOL1445 | Oceanography | 4 |
| GEOL1447 | Meteorology | 4 |
| PHYS1401 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS1402 | College Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS1403 | Stars and Galaxies | 4 |
| PHYS1404 | Solar System | 4 |
| PHYS1410 | Elementary Physics | 4 |
| PHYS2425 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS2426 | University Physics II | 4 |
| Subtotal | 136 | |
| Second Semester / Choose 3 credit hours | ||
| ARAB2311 | Intermediate Arabic I | 3 |
| ARAB2312 | Intermediate Arabic II | 3 |
| CHIN2311 | Intermediate Chinese I | 3 |
| CHIN2312 | Intermediate Chinese II | 3 |
| ENGL2322 | British Literature I | 3 |
| ENGL2323 | British Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL2327 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENGL2328 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL2332 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENGL2333 | World Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL2341 | Forms of Literature | 3 |
| ENGL2351 | Mexican-American Literature | 3 |
| FREN2311 | Intermediate French I | 3 |
| FREN2312 | Intermediate French II | 3 |
| GERM2311 | Intermediate German I | 3 |
| GERM2312 | Intermediate German II | 3 |
| HUMA1301 | Introduction to Humanities I | 3 |
| HUMA1302 | Introduction to Humanities II | 3 |
| HUMA1305 | Introduction to Mexican American Studies | 3 |
| HUMA1311 | Mexican American Fine Arts Appreciation | 3 |
| HUMA2319 | American Minority Studies | 3 |
| ITAL2311 | Intermediate Italian I | 3 |
| ITAL2312 | Intermediate Italian II | 3 |
| JAPN2311 | Intermediate Japanese I | 3 |
| JAPN2312 | Intermediate Japanese II | 3 |
| PHIL1301 | Introduction To Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL1304 | Introduction To World Religions | 3 |
| PHIL2306 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL2307 | Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL2316 | Classical Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL2321 | Philosophy Of Religion | 3 |
| PORT2311 | Intermediate Portuguese I | 3 |
| PORT2312 | Intermediate Portuguese II | 3 |
| SGNL2301 | Intermediate American Sign Language I | 3 |
| SGNL2302 | Intermediate American Sign Language II | 3 |
| SPAN2311 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| SPAN2312 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN2313 | Spanish for Native/Heritage Speakers I | 3 |
| SPAN2315 | Spanish for Native/Heritage Speakers II | 3 |
| Subtotal | 117 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| GOVT2306 | Texas Government (Texas Constitution & topics) | 3 |
| MATH1351 | Mathematics for Teachers II (Fundamentals of Mathematics II) | 3 |
| PHED1164 | Introduction to Physical Fitness & Wellness | 1 |
| TECA1354 | Child Growth & Development | 3 |
| Subtotal | 10 | |
| Third Semester / Choose 4 credit hours | ||
| BIOL1406 | Biology for Science Majors I | 4 |
| BIOL1407 | Biology for Science Majors II | 4 |
| BIOL1408 | Biology for Non-Science Majors I | 4 |
| BIOL1409 | Biology for Non-Science Majors II | 4 |
| BIOL1414 | Introduction to Biotechnology I | 4 |
| BIOL1415 | Introduction to Biotechnology II | 4 |
| BIOL2401 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL2402 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL2404 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL2406 | Environmental Biology | 4 |
| BIOL2420 | Microbiology for Non-Science Majors | 4 |
| BIOL2421 | Microbiology for Science Majors | 4 |
| CHEM1405 | Introduction Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM1407 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM1411 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM1412 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM2423 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM2425 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENVR1401 | Environmental Science I | 4 |
| ENVR1402 | Environmental Science II | 4 |
| GEOL1401 | Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I | 4 |
| GEOL1402 | Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors II | 4 |
| GEOL1403 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL1404 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL1405 | Environmental Science | 4 |
| GEOL1445 | Oceanography | 4 |
| GEOL1447 | Meteorology | 4 |
| PHYS1401 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS1402 | College Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS1403 | Stars and Galaxies | 4 |
| PHYS1404 | Solar System | 4 |
| PHYS1410 | Elementary Physics | 4 |
| PHYS2425 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS2426 | University Physics II | 4 |
| Subtotal | 136 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| EDUC2301 | Introduction - Special Populations | 3 |
| CDEC1303 | Families, School & Community | 3 |
| CDEC1311 | Educating Young Children | 3 |
| CDEC1318 | Wellness of the Young Child | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Fourth Semester / Choose 3 credit hours | ||
| ARTS1301 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| ARTS1303 | Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th century) | 3 |
| ARTS1304 | Art History II (14th century to the present) | 3 |
| ARTS1311 | Design I (2-dimensional) | 3 |
| ARTS1312 | Design II (3-dimensional) | 3 |
| ARTS1316 | Drawing I | 3 |
| DANC2303 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DRAM1310 | Theatre Appreciation | 3 |
| DRAM2366 | Film Appreciation | 3 |
| MUSI1303 | Fundamentals of Music | 3 |
| MUSI1306 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUSI1307 | Music Literature | 3 |
| MUSI1310 | American Music | 3 |
| Subtotal | 39 | |
| Program Total | 474 | |