Early Childhood Education AS Degree

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education for employment preparation provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to pursue employment in early childhood education while also serving 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 degree was designed to facilitate students’ successful pursuit in a variety of careers in Early Childhood Education such as Assistant Teacher, Teacher, Child Development Specialist.  This degree requires students to complete 60 units of course work including completion of 25 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Students should consult with a counselor for educational planning or an advisor for more information on the degree and permit opportunities. Graduates with this degree will meet the requirements for a Site Supervisor permit in child development issued by the California Teacher Credentialing Commission.

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Integrate understanding of the needs, the characteristics and multiple influences on development of children from birth to age eight as related to high quality care and education of young children.
  2. Design, implement and evaluate environments and activities that support positive, developmental play and learning outcomes for all young children.
  3. Apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children’s social learning, identity and self-confidence.
  4. Develop strategies that promote partnerships between programs, teachers, families and their communities.
  5. Apply ethical standards and professional behaviors that demonstrate understanding and knowledge, deepening the commitment to the Early Care and Education profession.

Program Requirements 

Course Code Title Units
Required Courses
CDE 101Child Growth & Development3
CDE 102Child, Family, & Community3
CDE 103Principles & Practices of Teaching3
CDE 104Introduction to Curriculum3
CDE 201Health, Safety, & Nutrition3
CDE 202Teaching in a Diverse Society3
CDE 203Observation and Assessment3
CDE 204Practicum in Early Childhood Education4
Elective Courses
Select 13 units from the following courses, course work from other areas may be substituted with advisor approval.
CDE 220Infant/Toddler Growth & Development3
CDE 221Infant/Toddler Curriculum3
CDE 223The Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision2
CDE 224Administration of Programs for Young Children3
CDE 225Advanced Administration of Programs for Young Children3
CDE 226AParenting Infants & Toddlers1
CDE 226BParenting the Preschool Child1
CDE 226CParenting the Young Child1
CDE 227Child Guidance3
CDE 228Child Maltreatment, Intervention, & Prevention3
CDE 229Children's Literature3
CDE 230English Language Learners in ECE3
CDE 231Creativity in Young Children3
CDE 232Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in ECE3
CDE 233Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs3
CDE 234Inclusion Strategies for Children with Special Needs3
CDE 236Music and Movement for Young Children3
CDE 237Inclusion Practicum3
CDE 240Social Cognition & the Developing Brain3
CDE 241ECE Global Diplomacy Practicum3
CDE 245Licensed Family Child Care2
Required Subtotal25
Electives13
COD General Education Pattern20
Kinesiology Activities2
DEGREE TOTAL60