Oct 03, 2024  
Fall 2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Fall 2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education, AAS


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An early childhood educator with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Inclusive Education is a person who can work with and meet the needs of children, families, and other educators from preschool to elementary school. Inclusive teachers are trained as generalists, learning how to work with all children, including those with disabilities and children with diverse cultural backgrounds.

The education of an early childhood practitioner integrates both theory and practice. Students are exposed to basic ideas and concepts in the classroom, and then have the opportunity to put those ideas and concepts to practical use in educational settings.

Graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Inclusive Education are employed in both public and private schools, and may serve as family childcare providers, family advocates, parent educators, administrators, or staff trainers. They meet the requirements of federal legislation, which require that paraprofessionals in public schools have a minimum of two years of college. Graduates may be eligible for licensure in the state of Ohio as an Educational Paraprofessional Associate. Graduates may also choose to complete an associate degree leading to Prekindergarten licensure from the Ohio Department of Education or an associate degree leading to a bachelor’s in inclusive education. 

Graduates must satisfy degree requirements as stipulated by BGSU associate degrees. The coursework in the Associate of Applied Science degree can be applied to BGSU’s bachelor’s degree in Inclusive PreK - Grade 5 Education, providing all admission standards are met for entry into the bachelor’s degree program.

Inclusive Education Associate Program Admission

Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for contacting the Inclusive Education program at BGSU Firelands.

Before students may enroll in any course with a clinical component or field experience, they must pass a criminal history background check allowing them to enter clinical settings, as required by Ohio law:

The student will meet the following criteria:​

  • Earn a C or better in the following courses:

Students are responsible for the following related to participation in the clinical directed practice:

  • Transportation to and from clinical sites;
  • Professional dress;
  • BGSU identification

Note: Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by BGSU and is not a student expense.

Learning Outcomes

Based on a background in typical and atypical child development, education psychology, and developmentally appropriate practices, teacher candidates have coursework and clinical experiences to address the four programmatic stands:

Graduates of this program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:

  • Constructivist, Child-centered Pedagogy: Planning and implementing a curriculum that is interdisciplinary, active, and engaging as well as facilities the growth and learning of all children based upon individual needs, backgrounds, research, and content standards.
  • Developmental and Diverse Perspectives: Assessing the needs and progress of all children to create an inclusive environment that reflects cultural diversity and multiple perspectives. 
  • Collaboration with Families, Communities, and Other Professionals: Partnering to meet the individual needs of children and their families by contributing assessment data and instructional knowledge, listening reflectively, and engaging in mutual decision making.
  • Professionalism and Reflective Practice: Acting as an inclusive childhood professional who reflects on practice, makes decisions based upon ethics of the profession, and advocates to improve the lives of all young children and their families. 

Degree Requirements

Designed to provide a basic college education, the Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education is founded on the concept of a strong general education in the humanities, mathematics, science, and other areas. Students are introduced to a variety of learning opportunities in child development and Inclusive curriculum and pedagogy. A key component of this program is hands-on field or clinical experiences. Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education complete a minimum of 62 credit hours and approximately 300 field hours.

General Requirements


Students are responsible for adhering to all college and university requirements and policies as stated in the BGSU Undergraduate Catalog. Prerequisites shown below are for reference only.

Communication


WRIT 1120  is required. Based on placement scores, WRIT 1010  and/or WRIT 1110  may also be required. A total of 6 credit hours from WRIT can count toward degree requirements.

Mathematics/Quantitative Literacy


   _____________________________    ________

Additional BG Perspectives Electives


AAS students will need 62 total credit hours for degree completion. Each student will complete additional credit hours from the following areas in order to reach 62 total credit hours: Social and Behavioral Sciences (S or SI), Humanities and Arts (H or HI), Cultural Diversity (C), or Natural Sciences (N). Course choices should be made from the list of approved courses in the BG Perspective Curriculum  listed in the BGSU Undergradaute Catalog. PSYC 1010  of HDFS 1930  is strongly recommended.

Additional Options


Note:


Professional Requirements 36 credit hours
General Requirements (Include transfer credits not applied to professional requirements)
TOTAL 62 credit hours

Sophomore classes are taken in blocks; see the catalog for more information.

The Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education degree program leads students into the Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Education. Students can be admitted into the Bachelor of Science degree program upon successful completion of the program admittance requirements.

The Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education degree program can lead to the Prekindergarten Licensure with the passage of OAR 36/37 during or after the completion of the AAS. 

Each student must complete enough hours to earn a minimum of 62 semester hours. At least 15 credit hours must be BGSU courses. Please check with your advisor for appropriate course selections.

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