Early Childhood Education

Minimum Units Required: 35.0 units

This program offers comprehensive study of child development, strategies for child guidance, techniques for effective classroom interaction with emphasis on the child in the context of family and culture, and curriculum that enhances the development of the whole child. The Child Development and Family Studies Department is a participant in the Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP). A key effort of the Curriculum Alignment Project is to facilitate the transfer of the courses below as an integrated course of study promoting access to ongoing education and degree attainment. These courses will easily transfer between many California State Universities. The CAP courses include: CDFS 038, CDFS 050, CDFS 053, CDFS 054 (or NUTR 054), CDFS 062, CDFS 063, CDFS 064, and CDFS 065. A Certificate of Achievement can be obtained upon successful completion of the 35-unit major. The Associate in Science degree can be obtained by completing the 35-unit major, general education requirements, and electives. All courses in the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C or P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Develop curriculum and early care environments that are derived from unbiased observation and assessment of childrens interests and developmental levels.

• Demonstrate reflective practice in their work with young children by building awareness of self as teacher, child as learner, and early childhood pedagogy.

• Demonstrate an understanding of child development theory, current research, and trends in the field, and their application to responsive practice in early care setting.

• Implement techniques that strengthen home and school partnerships in order to gain an ecological perspective of children's development

Program Requirements