Early Childhood Studies
31 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ECS 101 Child, Family and Community
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
The processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence.
ECS 102 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
This course examines laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.
ECS 103 Introduction to Early Childhood Studies & Education
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- N/A
ECS 103 course is a comprehensive introduction to the early childhood studies and education academic programs. This course explores the educational pathways for working with children and families from birth to 3rd grade. The course takes an in-depth look at careers and associated competencies; workforce requirements such as required courses, certifications, and professional development; and personal and professional characteristics required in the field of early childhood care and education.
ECS 104 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
ECS 105 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000
- Advisory
- ECS 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
This course introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. All students enrolled in ECS 105 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and may need immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must present valid health records the first day of class to remain enrolled in the course. For questions, please contact the instructor of record.
ECS 106 Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 105
- Advisory
- ECS 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
The course studies developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor classroom settings. Several assignments will require students to complete children in an approved licensed childcare facility. Students must have completed successfully ECS 105 with a grade of C or better. All students enrolled in ECS 105, ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles to meet the provisions of SB 792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information, contact the department.
ECS 111 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 106
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the administration of early childhood education programs. Students will study the principles and practices in the supervision and administration of various kinds of early care and education programs, including program planning and philosophies, organizational structure, financial management, personnel administration, staff leadership, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and advocacy for children and families.
ECS 112 Introduction to Young Children with Disabilities
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- CDEV C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the variations in development of young children with special needs and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. (S2)
ECS 113 Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- CDEV C1000 and ECS 112
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. (F2)
ECS 114 Parent/Child Relationships
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines socio-cultural and psychological perspectives on parent/child relationships by investigating typical and a typical child-rearing patterns from infancy. Topics include analysis of developmental issues between parents and children, the nature of permanent relationships, and effective models of parental practices.
ECS 115 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 151
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Students will be able to apply current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. This course examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months.
ECS 116 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ECS 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 230
Examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences serving children and families birth to 8 years of age. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.
ECS 117 Teaching Strategies for Multilingual Learners
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
Examines demographic characteristics and home, school, and community contexts of young multilingual Learners and an overview of the role of early childhood professionals in the process of implementing developmentally appropriate education models.
ECS 118 Practicum: Preschool
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 105, ECS 106
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
This course requires students to demonstrate the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of instructional faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.This course requires 85 hours of supervised practicum teaching in the preschool area of the Allan Hancock College Children's Center lab school and coaching sessions with the instructor. The 85 lab hours per term, to be arranged, will average about 5 weekly hours for semester length classes, or 12 weekly hours for shorter terms. The accompanying lecture focuses on teaching goals and strategies, reflections, insights, accomplishments and challenges specific to working with preschool age children. No concurrent enrollment is allowed in ECS 118 and ECS 119. Effective August 22nd, 2016 all students enrolled in ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information contact the department at extension 3401 or 3436.
ECS 119 Practicum: Infant/Toddler
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 105, ECS 106
- Advisory
- ECS 115ECS 151
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course requires students to demonstrate the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of instructional faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.This course requires 85 hours of supervised practicum teaching in the preschool area of the Allan Hancock College Children's Center lab school and coaching sessions with the instructor. The 85 lab hours per term, to be arranged, will average about 5 weekly hours for semester length classes, or 12 weekly hours for shorter terms. The accompanying lecture focuses on teaching goals and strategies, reflections, insights, accomplishments and challenges specific to working with preschool age children. No concurrent enrollment is allowed in ECS 118 and ECS 119. Effective August 22nd, 2016 all students enrolled in ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information contact the department at extension 3401 or 3436.
ECS 120 Adult Supervision and Mentoring In Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- ECS 106
- Transfers to
- CSU
Methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the role and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.
ECS 122 Positive Child Guidance
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will explore developmentally appropriate guidance and discipline for children from birth through middle childhood. Strategies and techniques for developing and maintaining an encouraging classroom will be studied. The historical perspectives of guidance and discipline will be studied as well as new trends, classroom techniques, and teaching strategies. The roles of family, community, and school in the encouraging classroom and the development of a child's democratic life skills will be explored.
ECS 123 Achieving Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 116
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Examine policies, procedures and preferences for organizational and professional access and equity in the contexts of culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, ability, and gender. Explore aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as potential assets in creating rich and proactive productive professional environments. Students will then apply the knowledge they gain from these explorations in the classroom setting.
ECS 125 Curriculum for Afterschool & Recreational Programs
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- REC 105 and CDEV C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
A study of the developmental needs, appropriate curriculum, family relationships and guidance techniques for children 5 to 12 years old in childcare, after school programs, or recreational settings. This course meets Title 22 curriculum and ASES requirements for teachers and directors in extended childcare programs. This course meets curriculum requirements for the State of California Comission for Teacher Credentialing Permit Matrix-Schoolage Emphasis.
ECS 149 Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational
- Units
- 1-8
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised employment extending classroom-based learning on-the-job related learning environment relating to the student's career and educational goals. In addition, these work experiences improve the student's basic work skills and professional competencies by creating career awareness, improving work habits and fostering positive workplace attitudes.
ECS 150 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ECS 106
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and developing strategies for establishing collaboration and communication for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.
ECS 151 Infant and Toddler Development
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
A study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Course emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development.
ECS 310 Art for Young Children
- Units
- 0.5
- Advisory
- ENGL 513
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques of creative art for young children.
ECS 311 Creating Learning Materials
- Units
- 0.5
- Advisory
- ENGL 513
Designed to familiarize students with diverse pedagogical strategies used to create curriculum materials suitable for use with young children.
ECS 312 Music for Early Childhood Educators
- Units
- 0.5
- Advisory
- ENGL 513
Designed to familiarize students with methods of integrating music activities, such as rhythms, songs, records, and simple musical instruments, into the education of young children.
ECS 313 Science for Young Children
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- N/A
This course is designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques of teaching Science to young children and provide exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children Science concepts through discovery and play.
ECS 314 Engineering and Technology for Young Children
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- N/A
This course is designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques of teaching engineering and technology to young children, and provide exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children engineering concepts through discovery and play.
ECS 315 Math for Young Children
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- N/A
This course is designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques of teaching Math to young children and provide exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching young children math concepts through discovery and play.
ECS 320 Administration: Staff Leadership
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- ECS 105
Review of effective leadership styles in the administration of Early Childhood Programs that result in improved staff communication and job performances.
ECS 321 Administration: Professional Ethics
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- ECS 106
- Advisory
- CDEV C1000 and
- C-ID
- N/A
Review of the administrator's ethical responsibilities of children, families, community and society based on the standards recommended by the national Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
ECS 322 Administration: Parents as Partners
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- ECS 106
- C-ID
- N/A
An analysis of set guidelines and strategies for administrators which will focus on the formation of a supportive link between school and home.