# Early Childhood Studies: Special Education (Associate in Science)

Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Early Childhood Studies

Source: https://hancockcollege.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/28545/28875/28876/28883/31050

**Award Type:** Associate in Science

Completion of ECS: Special Education associate in science program would quality students up to a Master Teacher-level permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This prepares the student to work in Title 5, Title XXII and federally funded programs

**The graduate of the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Studies: Special Education will:**

1.  Understand and apply child development theories and principles.
2.  Identify and implement observation, documentation and other assessment strategies.
3.  Value and cultivate collaborative family and community relationships.
4.  Identify, develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices to positively guide children's behavior and learning.
5.  Develop self-reflective habits and grow as members of the early childhood profession to understand the complexities of working with diverse groups of families, children, staff and the community.
6.  Develop an environment that honors the diversity of the learning community - through empowerment, equity, respect and dignity.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **A major of 43 units is required for the degree.** | |  |
| **Required core courses (37 units):** | | 37 |
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECS 101 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECS 102 | Child Health, Safety & Nutrition | 3 |
| ECS 104 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| ECS 105 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECS 106 | Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| ECS 112 | Introduction to Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| ECS 113 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ECS 116 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ECS 118 | Practicum: Preschool | 3 |
| ECS 119 | Practicum: Infant/Toddler | 3 |
| ECS 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 |
| ECS 103 | Introduction to Early Childhood Studies & Education | 3 |
| **Plus a minimum of 6 units selected from the following:** | | 6 |
| ASL 120 | American Sign Language 1 | 3 |
| ECS 111 | Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECS 114 | Parent/Child Relationships | 3 |
| ECS 122 | Positive Child Guidance | 3 |
| ECS 151 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| EMS 102 | First Aid & Safety | 3 |
| **General Education** | |  |
| **In addition to completing the program requirements, students are also required to complete general education courses. Students may follow the AHC GE or the Cal-GETC pathways to meet these requirements. Students intending to transfer to a four-year university should use the Cal-GETC GE pathway. To see what major courses and general education requirements you need to fulfill, visit your myHancock account and select the DegreeWorks button in the Academic Profile widget. For more information and guidance, and to receive a detailed education plan, make an appointment with an academic counselor.** | |  |
| **Total** | | **43** |