UCCI

The Associate of Arts in Primary Education

The Associate of Arts in Primary Education at UCCI equips students with foundational knowledge in teaching, child development, and classroom management. Through a curriculum designed to build effective educational strategies and hands-on experience in local schools, this program prepares students to inspire young learners. Graduates may pursue roles as teaching assistants or advance to UCCI’s Bachelor of Education program for a rewarding career as primary educators in the Cayman Islands and beyond.

Key Facts about the Programme

Programme Duration

2 years (full-time)

Semesters Offered

Typically available in Fall and Spring semesters

Total Credits Required

61–64 credits, with a focus on educational foundations and classroom experience.

Accreditation

Recognized for transferability, especially within UCCI for advanced education programmes.

GPA Requirement

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to graduate in the Education Programme.

Important

Any substitutions to this plan must be approved, in writing, by the Dean of the Division.

Unique Selling Points

Classroom Placements

Offers practical teaching experience in local schools, providing real-world skills in classroom management and student engagement.

Pathway to Bachelor’s in Education

Graduates can smoothly transition to UCCI’s Bachelor of Education, specializing in primary education.

Focus on Child-Centered Learning

Courses emphasize child development and effective teaching methods tailored to young learners.

Degree Plan (Suggested Sequence)

Year 1 - Fall

ENG 101 - College Composition I (3 credits)
SPA 101 - Introduction to Spanish I / Lab (4 credits)
Science Requirement I (3-4 credits)
MAT 105 - College Algebra (3 credits)
EDU 110 - Introduction to Teaching and Learning (3 credits)

Year 1 - Spring

ENG 102 - College Composition II (3 credits)
MAT 111 - Math for Teachers I (3 credits)
Social Science Requirement II (3-4 credits)
COL 101 - College and Employability Skills (4 credits)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Summer 1

COM 110 - Computer Applications (3 credits)
HIS 120 Caymanian Society or HIS 132 Caribbean Civilization (3 credits)

Year 2 - Fall

EDU 252 - Principles, Methods & Practicum for Teaching Primary Math (4 credits)
EDU 240 - Methods of Inclusion and Collaboration (3 credits)
Elective – 200 level – Humanities (3 credits)
EDU 220 Introduction to Child Development (3 credits)

Year 2 - Spring

EDU 251 - Principles, Methods & Practicum for Teaching Literacy (4 credits)
EDU 235 - Teaching Exceptional Children/SEN (3 credits)
EDU 260 - Integrating Technology in the Classroom (3 credits)
EDU 249 - Exploring Children’s Literature (3 credits)

Core Courses

EDU 110

Introduction to Teaching & Learning (3 credits)

EDU 220

Introduction to Child Development (3 credits)

EDU 235

Teaching Exceptional Children/SEN (3 credits)

EDU 240

Methods of Inclusion and Collaboration (3 credits)

EDU 249

Exploring Children’s Literature (3 credits)

EDU 251

Principles, Methods & Practicum for Teaching Literacy (4 credits)

EDU 252

Principles, Methods & Practicum for Teaching Primary Mathematics (4 credits)

EDU 260

Integrating Technology in the Classroom (3 credits)

Additional Requirements

Social Requirement I & II

Two Science Requirements: Each 3–4 credits (total 6–8 credits), chosen with advisor approval.

Electives

A 200-level Humanities elective (3 credits) is required, selected in consultation with an advisor.

Ready to start?

Take the first step toward your future, apply now or schedule a visit to learn more.

Electives & Future Study Options

Future Study Options

Graduates of the Associate of Arts in Primary Education can continue to UCCI’s Bachelor of Education program, specializing in primary education. This pathway provides advanced coursework in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques, further preparing students for licensed teaching roles.

Future Jobs & Salary Scales

The Associate of Arts in Primary Education at UCCI offers a solid foundation for those passionate about teaching and working with young children. With practical teaching placements and a curriculum tailored to primary education, this programme prepares graduates for impactful roles in classrooms or continued study. UCCI graduates are well-equipped to inspire and shape future generations in Cayman’s schools.

Role: Provides support to classroom teachers, assists with lesson implementation, and works with students individually or in small groups.
Salary Range:
Entry-level: $35,000 USD
Mid-career: $42,000 USD
Advanced: $50,000+ USD

Role: Supports students with learning challenges and disabilities by providing personalized assistance and helping teachers deliver inclusive instruction.
Salary Range:
Entry-level: $37,000 USD
Mid-career: $46,000 USD
Advanced: $58,000+ USD

Role: Helps manage classroom operations, student engagement, and lesson prep while assisting with behavior support and academic interventions.
Salary Range:
Entry-level: $38,000 USD
Mid-career: $48,000 USD
Advanced: $60,000+ USD

Role: Offers one-on-one educational support in literacy, math, and general subjects for early learners outside the traditional classroom.
Salary Range:
Entry-level: $30,000 USD
Mid-career: $40,000 USD
Advanced: $55,000+ USD

Potential Employers in the Cayman Islands

Employment Sectors & Organizations

Cayman Islands Ministry of Education: Roles within public primary schools as teaching assistants or classroom support staff.
Private schools: Opportunities in classroom assistance, early childhood education, and student support.