TCC's Early Childhood Education: Emphasis on Children with Special Needs program is structured as progressive, leading to two levels of achievement for increasing levels of job responsibility, a certificate and an Associate in Applied Science. This program is designed to develop skills needed to be a successful early childhood professional and is directed toward students planning to work with young children, birth through eight years old, including those who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Employment opportunities are in a variety of settings including preschools, childcare centers, family childcare, Head Start/ECEAP programs, kindergarten through third grade classrooms (as a teacher assistant), and/or other early learning programs. Note: The practicum and field experience require a criminal background check prior to enrollment.