Early Childhood Education for Transfer
Associate in Science Degree Child Development · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students completing this associate degree will have completed the lower-division major preparation for a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or a similar major at a participating CSU campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Students completing this degree program will also be prepared for employment in a variety of school and community settings. Early Childhood Education students with this degree possess the competencies to work in both private and public early care and education settings serving infants through preschool-age children. Students can also work as a teacher in a before-and-after school program serving school-age children. This degree meets the course work requirements of the Teacher level Child Development Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Graduation Requirements
Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
Complete all courses in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
Complete the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable grade point average of 2.0.
Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at MiraCosta College.
Program Student Learning Outcome
At the conclusion of the program of study, the student will be able to analyze and apply key theories and concepts of early care and education to employment settings and to advanced academic study in child development and related academic disciplines.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 235 | Children in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
*. Course satisfies a general education requirement on the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
NOTE: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.