The Early Childhood Education Department offers coursework that leads to an Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement (Career Technical), an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education degree, and an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree (AS-T in Early Childhood Education), and coursework required by the State of California Department of Education Child Development Permit Matrix. The transfer degree program prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education or related major. Students must complete the Associate Degree for Transfer requirements to earn the AS-T degree.

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Understand and apply knowledge of child development theories and principles, encompassing children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development that recognizes various contexts that influence children as individuals and plan for all children’s developmental needs from both an individualized and group perspective.
  • Identify, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, teaching practices, and healthy/safe/inclusive environments that positively guide and enhance children’s development, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrate knowledge of foundations of learning for young children, including dual-language learners and children with special needs, in relation to the major curriculum areas of math, science, creative art, small motor development, language/literature/literacy, social studies, large motor development: music/movement, and health/safety/nutrition.
  • Develop positive, supportive relationships with children in order to plan for groups and individual children using a relational, play-based collaborative approach involving families and the community.
  • Value and cultivate collaborative family and community relationships through inclusion of families and communities in young children’s development and learning, and apply knowledge and strategies for honoring and working with diverse groups of children, families and community.
  • Identify and implement observation, documentation, and other developmentally appropriate assessment strategies (including the use of technology), in collaboration with families and community resources, to plan for children’s interests, meet developmental needs, and strengthen teacher’s work with children and families.
  • Develop reflective habits and grow as an Early Childhood professional by understanding the complexities, ethical responsibilities, and professional role as a teacher and advocate for young children, their families, and the early-childhood profession.

 Degrees and Certificates offered: