Early Childhood Education
20 courses · Lake Tahoe Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ECE 100 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the laws, regulations, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. It includes prevention strategies, nutrition, and meal planning for various ages and integrating educational experiences into daily routines that are designed to teach children positive health, safety, and nutrition habits.
ECE 101 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
This course presents the historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education. It examines the role of the early childhood educator, identification of best practices for environmental design, curriculum, and teaching strategies while exploring teacher child relationships, professional ethics, career pathways and professional standards.
ECE 102 Child and Adolescent Growth and Development
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 100
This course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. This course is cross-listed with PSY 102.
ECE 103 Child, Family, and Community
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
This course examines the processes of socialization of the young child, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and the influence of multiple societal contexts. The role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development is emphasized.
ECE 109 Language and Literacy for Young Children
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of language and literacy development in children from infancy to age eight. The course includes a survey of young children’s literature and strategies and activities for developing language and emerging literacy for children ages birth through eight. Attention will be given to evaluating quality literature for young children. Appropriate classroom and home learning activities will be planned and demonstrated. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to assist parents and teachers in providing appropriate literacy experiences for children.
ECE 110 Introduction to Curriculum
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 101 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
This course examines developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children and explores teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Emphasis is placed on the teacher’s role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including all content areas. Students will be required to complete activities at the college's child development center.
ECE 120 Creative Experiences for Young Children
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 101 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce students to educational activities suitable for children in art, music, movement, literature, and drama. It is designed for teachers, aides, parents, and people who provide care for children ages birth through eight. Students will gain an enhanced understanding of the interrelationship between creative arts and the self and will engage in creative and subjective responses to a variety of aesthetic experiences.
ECE 121 Math and Science Experiences for Young Children
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on the principles and methods of planning, presenting, and evaluating science and math experiences for young children ages two to five. Students will develop activities that foster children’s natural curiosity about scientific and mathematical concepts. These activities will be designed to encourage exploration, experimentation, problem solving, and discovery. Methods for adapting science and math experiences for young children with special needs will also be discussed.
ECE 124 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children's development and learning. It emphasizes use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be explored, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. This course will requires the completion of a child study at the college's child development center.
ECE 125 Positive Child Guidance
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
The principles of positive guidance and discipline based on contemporary research and child development will be discussed in this course. Application of the principles of effective communication, understanding child development and behavior, appropriate limits and rules, structuring problem solving, and consequences will be discussed. Course content reflects an emphasis on positive guidance principles and techniques, family involvement, and cultural influences. This course is appropriate for teachers and parents.
ECE 126 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 230
This course examines the various societal influences in the development of children's social identity. The course covers developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and anti-bias approaches. Self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, and bias will be emphasized.
ECE 127 Infants and Toddlers: Development and Care
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Content includes application of theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. This course emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development and applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. Essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months are examined.
ECE 129 The Exceptional Child
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 101 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to educational philosophies for educating young children with exceptional needs. Typical and atypical developmental characteristics and abilities in infants and preschoolers are explored as well as the unique characteristics and needs of exceptional children and their families. Also included are the historical and legislative foundation for civil rights and educational services for individuals with disabilities. Emphasis will be given to professional roles and collaboration, locating community resources, and developing an awareness of cultural issues and considerations.
ECE 132 Occupational Work Experience
- Units
- 1-6
- Corequisite
- Students must be available to work 4 to 40 hours per week for an approved business and must have an application on file each quarter enrolled.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Occupational Work Experience is for students who are employed in jobs related to their educational or occupational goals. This program extends knowledge gained in the classroom to the workplace, helps students identify new and challenging objectives at work, and encourages professional growth and advancement. Each 50 hours of paid work equals one quarter unit. Each 40 hours of non-paid work equals one quarter unit.
ECE 133 Internship - Occupational Work Experience
- Units
- 1-6
- Corequisite
- Students must be available to volunteer 4 to 24 hours per week (if paid, hours per week increase as outlined in the work experience program) for an approved business and must have an application on file each quarter enrolled.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Internship - Occupational Work Experience is a supervised worksite placement the student earns which is related to the student's educational and occupational goals. The program will assist students in acquiring relevant work experience and awareness of career opportunities in their chosen field of study. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 24 units. Each 50 hours of paid work equals one quarter unit. Each 40 hours of non-paid work equals one quarter unit.
ECE 202 Practicum in Early Childhood Programs: Field Experience
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 72 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisites TB clearance within the last two years, Proof of required immunizations as listed below: 1 dose of flu vaccine every year. 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. 1 dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine. 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Criminal records clearance. ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 103, and ECE 110 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
This course is a demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. 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 and strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning.
ECE 203 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 101 and ECE 110 or equivalent, and ENGLC1000 or ENG 101 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. It covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. The examination of administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program are also covered.
ECE 204 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 203 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. It includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course meets Title 22 requirements for center directors and it applies toward the Child Development Site Supervisor and Program Director permits.
ECE 205 Administration III: Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Course Advisories ECE 203 and ECE 204 or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.
ECE 551 Parenting: The Young Child and the Family Environment
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture weekly, 18 contact hours total
This course is designed for, but not limited to, parents or caregivers of children ages two to five enrolled in Tahoe Parents Nursery School. Students will have the opportunity to discuss, explore and learn more about how to be an effective parent/caregiver. Topics will include guidance and discipline, communication, developmental stages, and health and safety issues relating to young children.