Skip to Content

Home Academics Programs and Majors Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Early Childhood Education for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Transfer Degree (AS-T) provides a clearly articulated curricular pathway for students who wish to pursue a degree option in the California State University (CSU) system. The degree is designed to serve the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of early childhood education. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths.



The Associate in Science in ECE for Transfer Degree provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior status and will not have to repeat lower division coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop their educational plans as degree options and general education requirements vary for each university.



The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Transfer Degree (AS-T) may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses), and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). The ECE courses required in this program are part of the CA Curriculum Alignment Project.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 312 Child Development 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
Total Units: 26

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Synthesize child development research with principles and practices for early childhood teaching to create early learning environments that are respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children, from infancy through adolescence. (PSLO 1)
  • Design inclusive, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments, based on child development, child observations, family information and knowledge of culturally diverse child rearing practices. (PSLO 2)
  • Incorporate strategies for building respectful, reciprocal family and community relationships in order to support families with their children’s development and learning. (PSLO 3)
  • Assess children's learning through observation, documentation, and interpretation, using results to guide curriculum and teaching strategies. (PSLO 4)
  • Recommend developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning that include respectful, supportive relationships with children and families, and curriculum that support foundational skills and concepts in language, math, science, art, and social relationships. (PSLO 5)
  • Demonstrate practices that maintain standards of health, nutrition, and safety in-group care early childhood settings. (PSLO 6)
  • Apply ethical standards of behavior accepted by the profession of early childhood education. (PSLO 7)
  • Appraise knowledge of public policy and legislative issues concerning children and their families. (PSLO 8)

Career Information

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education transfer degree was designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to certain California State University (CSU) campuses that prepares them for advanced study in a variety of baccalaureate degree programs including teaching, child development specialist, program director, and child life specialist. With a baccalaureate degree in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the master teacher and site supervisor levels of the CA child development permit, using the alternative qualifications category. Students who are planning to obtain an associate degree and not continue to a baccalaureate program are advised to complete the Early Childhood Education AA degree rather than this AS-T. The AA degree provides a comprehensive foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation necessary for those seeking employment after completion of the degree. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Early Childhood Education

This program provides a comprehensive foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through strong general education and principles and practices in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, age-appropriate curriculum, the child in the context of family and culture, and health and safety practices for early childhood educators.





Note to Transfer Students:

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting 2
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
ECE 322 Promoting Children's Social Competence (3)
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 365 Creative Projects and Experiences for Young Children (3)
ECE 307 Introduction to Bilingual Education (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers (3)
ECE 356 Programs for the School-Age Child (3)
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
Total Units: 43

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
  • PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
  • PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Career Information

Upon completion of the A.A. degree, a student possesses the course work required to work as a teacher in both private and public early care and education settings, serving infants through preschool-age children. Additionally, the individual can work as a teacher in before-and-after school programs, serving school-age children.


A.A. in Early Childhood Education, Site Supervisor

Administration of early care and education programs is the main focus of this degree. Topics include administration, supervision and coordination of staff in early childhood settings. Additionally, it provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Along with documented experience, this certificate leads to the Site Supervisor Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is required of those individuals supervising a publicly funded early childhood education site.



Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 420 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 422 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting 2
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ECE 322 Promoting Children's Social Competence (3)
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 365 Creative Projects and Experiences for Young Children (3)
ECE 307 Introduction to Bilingual Education (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers (3)
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
Total Units: 43

The Early Childhood Education, Site Supervisor Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
  • PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
  • PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student exceeds the minimum requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a privately funded early care and education program. With documented experience supervising staff, the student also meets the requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a publicly funded early care and education program.

Certificates of Achievement

Early Childhood Education - Master Teacher Certificate

This certificate meets the requirements for teaching in a publicly funded early care and education program. It requires an additional 6 units of specialized study beyond the teacher level certificate, allowing the student to select a particular focus of study (i.e., infant/toddler; culture and diversity; health and nutrition; children’s literature; and art or music for young children). Applicants must verify required experience teaching children and supervising staff to be recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for issuance of the Master Teacher Child Development Permit.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs (3) 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting 2
A minimum of 16 units from the following: 16
ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery (3)
   or MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
FCS 324 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or PSYC 371 Life Span Developmental Psychology (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
   or PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
   or PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
   or VIET 401 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
   or DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
To be eligible for the Child Development Permit (Master Teacher Level) through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing students must complete, "sixteen diversified semester units in general education (i.e., at least one course in each of the following areas: Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, and English/Language Arts)."[5 CCR § 80113, 5 CA ADC § 80113] General education units must be transferable.
Students will select a Master Teacher "Specialization" consisting of six (6) units of focused content (see below). Contact ECE Instructional Faculty for information on experience and supervised experience requirements all Child Development Permits.
Subtotal Units: 47
Curriculum, Specialization Option
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 365 Creative Projects and Experiences for Young Children (3)
ECE 322 Promoting Children's Social Competence (3)
ECE 307 Introduction to Bilingual Education (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
Curriculum, Specialization Option Units: 6
Total Units: 53
Infant and Toddler Care, Specialization Option
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
Infant and Toddler Care, Specialization Option Units: 6
Total Units: 53
School-Age Care, Specialization Option
Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 356 Programs for the School-Age Child 3
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience 3
School-Age Care, Specialization Option Units: 6
Total Units: 53

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
  • PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
  • PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Career Information

This certificate qualifies students to be a master teacher or a supervising teacher in early care and education programs. Upon completion of this certificate and with documented related experience, the individual is eligible to be a lead teacher and/or mentor teacher in both publicly and privately funded programs serving young children and their families. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Meet with a counselor and an ECE faculty to determine these options.


Early Childhood Education - Teacher Certificate

This certificate provides a foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through general education and through introductory studies in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Additionally, it covers culture and diversity issues in early childhood and health and safety practices. Students must verify required teaching experience to be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for issuance of the Teacher Child Development Permit.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3) 3
   or ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers (3)
   or ECE 356 Programs for the School-Age Child (3)
   or ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
A minimum of 16 units from the following: 16
ENGWR 300 College Composition (3)
MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
FCS 324 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or PSYC 371 Life Span Developmental Psychology (3)
HUM 300 Classical Humanities (3)
   or PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
   or PHOTO 420 History of Photography (3)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
   or VIET 401 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
   or DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
Students must complete 16 units in general education categories to be eligible for the Child Development Permit (Teacher Level) through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. At least one course in each of the following GE areas must be completed: English, Math/Science, Social Science, Humanities/Fine Arts.
See ECE Department for information on experience requirement for the Child Development Permits.
Total Units: 45

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships
  • PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
  • PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the requirement for employment as a teacher in publicly funded early care and education programs, serving infants through preschool-age children. The student also meets the requirements to work as a teacher in a privately funded early care and education program, as well as in a before-and-after school-age program.


Early Childhood Education, Associate Teacher Certificate

Upon completion of one of the following certificates, and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the minimum requirements for employment in a privately funded child care program or family day care program. Certificates are designed to meet varying employment levels and focused training with infants and school-age children. These requirements are outlined in Title 22 (Department of Social Services) regulations for child care licensing.



To be eligible for the Child Development Permit (Associate Teacher) students must also complete experience requirements for the particular permit for which they are applying. See ECE Department for further information.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
Total Units: 16

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understanding of and integration of the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

Career Information

This certificate allows the student to work as a teacher in a private early care and education (Title 22) program, serving infants/toddlers, preschool-age children, and school-age children in before-and-after school programs. With the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit, an individual can work as an assistant or associate teacher in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program.


Early Childhood Education, Infant Specialist Certificate

This certificate provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, and age-appropriate care and education. Additionally, it focuses on infant development and the care of education of infants/toddlers in group settings. The Infant Specialist Certificate is designed to prepare students to work with children ages 0-3 in a variety of early care and education settings. Completion of the Certificate fulfills the child development coursework requirement, combined with experience, for the California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level. Students meet the minimum requirements for employment in an infant care program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
Total Units: 22

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 2: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 3: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 4: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the minimum requirements for employment in an infant care program. Additionally, upon completion of one of the following certificates, and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the minimum requirements for employment in a privately funded child care program or family day care program.


Early Childhood Education, School Age Child Care and Education Certificate

Upon completion of one of the following certificates, and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the minimum requirements for employment in a privately funded child care program or family day care program. Certificates are designed to meet varying employment levels and focused training with infants and school-age children. These requirements are outlined in Title 22 (Department of Social Services) regulations for child care licensing.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3) 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 307 Introduction to Bilingual Education (3) 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
Total Units: 26

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
  • PSLO 2: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
  • PSLO 3: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
  • PSLO 4: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate and with appropriate documented experience, the student exceeds the minimum requirements for employment as a teacher in privately funded before-and-after school child care programs. These requirements are outlined in Title 22 (Department of Social Services) regulations for child care licensing.

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

Degree Planner

Career Education

This major is part of CRC's Career Education (CE) Program. Request assistance from Career Education by dropping us a line!

Request Info

Scholarships

Apply for scholarships for Early Childhood Education students:

  • CRC California Retired Teachers Association, District 5 ($1,500)
  • CRC Emeriti Future Career in Education Scholarship ($500)
  • CRC James and Honey Snowden Memorial Scholarship Award ($500)
  • CRC Patrons Club Evelyn Morse Memorial Scholarship ($500)
  • CRC Timothy Wayne Lawson Scholarship ($1,000)

Applications open spring semester.

Scholarships

CalFresh logo

Need extra money for groceries? CalFresh can give you more money to buy food!

CalFresh