Early Childhood Education AS Degree Program

Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AA-T Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer	60 units
AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
Early Childhood Education for Transfer	60 units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Early Childhood Education	24 units
Early Childhood Special Education	24 units

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Analyze major developmental milestones and various theoretical frameworks that relate to early care and education to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the early years as well as the many influences on development
Identify best teaching and care practices and the components of early childhood settings, curriculum, and teaching strategies to increase child growth and competence.
Assess the interrelationship of child, family, and community and how educational, political, socioeconomic factors directly impact the lives of children and families.

Program Overview

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. A minimum of 50% of the ECE units must be taken at Skyline College in order to receive the AS degree with a major in ECE from Skyline.

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

Required Core Courses		Units
ECE. 201	Child Development	3 units
	OR
PSYC 201	Child Development	3 units
ECE. 210	Early Childhood Education Principles	3 units
ECE. 211	Early Childhood Education Curriculum	3 units
ECE. 212	Child, Family and Community	3 units
ECE. 272	Teaching in a Diverse Society	3 units
ECE. 314	Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children	3 units
	OR
HSCI 314	Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children	3 units
ECE. 333	Observation and Assessment	3 units
ECE. 366	Practicum in Early Childhood Education	3 units

Total Required Major Units: 24

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.