Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Degree Program

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to meet the needs of individuals planning a career working with preschool aged children and/or are currently working with preschool aged children. The child from birth to school age is the primary focus. Current research and practical applications are combined in order to assist students in planning their most effective role with children. Children's growth, developmentally appropriate practice, cultural diversity, family support and professional development within the ECE field are major components of the program in order to meet the varied needs of ECE students, courses are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. The program makes every effort to schedule classes to meet the diversity of students' needs and to encourage students to plan ahead in order to complete specific program requirements.

An Associate degree with 24 ECE units and at least 16 general education units qualifies a student for a Teacher Permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This permit is required of all teachers working in child care and development programs operating under Title 5, (state-funded programs). A grade of C or better is required in all of the courses used to satisfy the requirements for the major.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION WITHIN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM

In accordance with the guidelines established by the state's Child Development Permit for the Master Teacher tier, applicants must complete a specialization of six (6) semester units in a specific area. A specialization can also be useful to students when seeking work advancement.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

• ECE. 260 Children with Special Needs
• ECE. 263 Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs
• ECE. 242 Adult Supervision and Mentoring

INFANT/TODDLER CARE

• ECE. 223 Infant/Toddler Development
• ECE. 225 Infant/Toddler Environments
• ECE. 242 Adult Supervision and Mentoring

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: California law requires that all licensed childcare programs submit employee and certain volunteer fingerprints for a criminal record check before individuals can work or volunteer at a facility. The Live Scan background verification requires applicants to provide proof of identification (e.g., a Social Security Number or ITIN) for employees and volunteers.

To meet ECE Program Requirements, students must successfully pass an ECE Practicum course: ECE 366 or 966 for students earning an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education, or ECE 367 for students earning a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Special Education.

To enroll in ECE 366, 966, or 367, students must:

• Complete and pass a Live Scan background verification. Applicants will be asked to provide their 10-digit ATI (Automated Transaction Identifier) number and date of birth, which allows the ECE program to verify that the Live Scan requirement has been met.

Note: There is a cost associated with completing the Live Scan requirement. Costs vary by vendor. Students should check with individual Live Scan operators for total costs and acceptable payment methods.

For further information regarding program admissions requirements, please visit the Early Childhood Education program website.