Early Childhood Education

Program Description

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for ECE majors (or majors that have been deemed similar in the CSU system). It prepares students to function in a variety of early childhood programs and services and is for students who seek to transfer to a California State University institution or to prepare for a career in early childhood education by meeting the requirements to work in public or private child care facilities.

The Early Childhood Education AS-T degree includes diverse topics covering developmentally and culturally appropriate practice, assessment of the learning environment and children, effective oral and writing communication skills, collaborative work skill and leadership skills, and advocacy of children and families.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program allows students to fulfill lower division major requirements at a community college and guarantees transfer with junior status to the California State University (CSU) system. Students who complete an ADT and transfer to a similar major at a CSU are guaranteed a pathway to finish their baccalaureate degrees in 60 semester units.

This AS-T degree program requires students to meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system, including the following:
   1. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
   3. A minimum of 12 semester units earned at Merritt College.
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
3. Obtainment of a minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.

The completion time for this AS-T degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

See the Transfer Information section of this catalog for more information on ADT and Cal-GETC requirements.

Career Opportunities

The Early Childhood Education AS-T program prepares students to function in a variety of early childhood programs and services. The program is for those who seek to prepare for a career in early childhood education/child development by meeting the requirement to work in public or private child care facilities or to transfer to a four-year college or university. Those completing the AS-T in Early Childhood Education will be able to transfer to the California State University (CSU) campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors and Child Life Specialists. With a BA 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.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate developmentally and culturally appropriate practice, including managing the physical, temporal and interpersonal environments
2. Assess the learning environment and the children using standard assessment tools to form plans of action.
3. Communicate effectively orally, and in writing, in a child care setting with children, families & co-workers
4. Work independently, and as a team member, in an effective manner while continuously strengthening leadership skills.
5. Advocate within the community for continued support of children and families