Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Associate in Science for Transfer in Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a CSU campus, while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of early childhood education. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths. The degree was designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to certain California State University (CSU) campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors, and Child Life Specialists. With a BA in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the Master Teacher and Site Supervisor levels of the CA Child Development Permit, using the Alternative Qualifications category. The Associate in Science for Transfer in Early Childhood Education degree provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to certain California State University campuses.

Program Learning Outcome(s)

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply ethical standards of behavior accepted by the profession of early childhood education using ongoing self-reflection to guide practices.
2. Assess children's development through observation, documentation, reflection and interpretation to guide curriculum and intentional teaching.
3. Compare and contrast diverse cultural values, child rearing practices, attitudes towards play and education by developing respectful reciprocal relationships in order to work effectively with children, families, co-workers and community.
4. Demonstrate practices that maintain standards of health, nutrition, and safety in early childhood settings.
5. Intentionally design inclusive, culturally and linguistically appropriate curriculum to promote positive development for all young children, based on child development, observation and reflection.
6. Synthesize child development research and theories; apply principles with consideration for children's varying characteristics, needs and the multiple interacting influences on children's development.
7. Utilize observation and evaluation processes/tools to apply and implement developmentally appropriate practices in an early care and education setting using knowledge, skills and professional dispositions that promote the development and learning of all young children.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Early Childhood Education (AS-T): Program Requirements