Early Childhood Education
24 courses · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ECE 016 Storytelling for Children
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn to use developmentally appropriate techniques for storytelling to engage children in active learning. Students will also learn to use storytelling as a means to integrate, reinforce, and extend curriculum. They will actively develop as storytellers, building their presentation techniques and their repertoire of stories for different purposes and different age groups of children. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
ECE 017 Literacy Development in Children
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 2
- Advisory
- Successful completion of ECE 105
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will study literacy development among children from ages birth to 8 years. They will study topics including the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The students will examine the social contexts of language learning, early literacy and assessment, and the design of curriculum and classroom environment that support literacy development. Off-campus observations/field trips will be required. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
ECE 018 Children's Literature
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 2
- Advisory
- Successful completion of ECE 105
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will explore literature for children from birth to 8 years. Topics addressed include history of children's literature, contemporary genres, books and early literacy. The course will also examine diversity as reflected in literature. They will also gain skills in the selection and evaluation of the literature. Students will plan appropriate activities and integrate children's literature into early childhood curriculum. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
ECE 020 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- FCS 070 and ECE 102 and ECE 108; all with a C or better. ECE 108 may be taken concurrently.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
Students will learn the appropriate use of formal and informal observation tools, case study portfolios, recording, and rating systems. The use of multiple assessment and observation strategies, in various early childhood settings, will be covered. Emphasis will be on use of assessment strategies that inform and provide for developmentally appropriate curriculum. To ensure accurate observations and assessments, the importance of collaboration between teacher, families, and other professionals will be examined.
ECE 098 Directed Studies in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 0.5-9
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2.07
- Prerequisite
- Completion of the following course(s) and project approval is required by sponsoring faculty, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs: FCS 070
- Transfers to
- CSU
Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the numbers of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.
ECE 101 Introduction to Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- ECE 107 and ECE 102 and CDEV C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 130
Students will learn 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 settings.
ECE 101B Practicum in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1, Lab Hours: 6
- Prerequisite
- FCS 070 and ECE 101 and ECE 102 and ECE 107; all with C or better, TB clearance, and fingerprinting clearance as required by California Department of Justice.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
Students will demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD 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.
ECE 102 Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- ECE 107 and CDEV C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 120
Students will learn 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.
ECE 104 Art and Creativity for Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will be introduced to the value of creative activities in the visual arts in the classroom and how they support positive brain development in the early years from birth through age eight. The topics include overview of child development, stages of artistic development, and the role of educators in promoting the exploration of various art media. Students will plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate creative art experiences for children.
ECE 105 Language Development for Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- Completion of ECE 102
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students are introduced to language development during early childhood years and also among dual language learners. The topics include stages of language development, theories of language acquisition, and the roles of parents and educators in promoting language related activities. Students will learn to plan, prepare, and present a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to stimulate language development and usage. Children's books, poetry, storytelling, games, charts, puppetry, flannel boards, and the use of computer-based technology will be introduced. Students also learn to create materials appropriate for children with special needs and learning disabilities.
ECE 106 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- ECE 107 with a C or better
- Advisory
- Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses, FCS 070 and ECE 101
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students are introduced to the principles and practices of administration and supervision of early childhood education programs. The course covers program goals and philosophies, the roles and responsibilities of program directors, professionalism, licensing requirements and other regulations, program organization and planning, budgeting, staffing, and working with parents and the community.
ECE 107 Child, Family and Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- FCS 070
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
Students will examine the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community; emphasis will be on historical and social factors. Patterns of development, child-rearing, and the value of education in contemporary American society will be discussed. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted. Community resources that foster the positive development of the child in the context of the family will be identified. This course meets licensing and permitting requirements for early education settings.
ECE 108 Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Child Care
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 220
Students will learn 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.
ECE 109 Music, Movement, and Rhythm Activities for Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will be introduced to designing music, movement, and rhythm activities for children. They will focus on the principles of movement and music education and will create a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students will learn to evaluate a wide variety of music, movement, and rhythm activities as they gain skills in planning and presenting these activities to children.
ECE 110 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- ECE 106 with C or better
- Advisory
- Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses in FCS 070, ECE 101, ECE 102, and ECE 107.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will advance their studies of the administration and supervision of early childhood education programs focusing on program quality, reflective practices, marketing, team building and communication, working with staff and parents of diverse backgrounds and advocacy. Course meets the California State requirement for site supervisor and program director permits.
ECE 142 Supervising Adults-The Mentor Teacher
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 2
- Prerequisite
- ECE 102 and FCS 070 with a C or better
- Advisory
- Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, including the core courses in ECE 101 and ECE 107.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will examine the methods and principles of supervising student teachers in early childhood classrooms. They study the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Students are required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
ECE 145 The Child With Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- FCS 070 with C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to the development of children with special needs from birth to school age. They will examine how families are affected by their children with special needs. The course gives an overview of laws relating to children with special needs and theories of early intervention in the inclusive classroom.
ECE 146 Child Guidance and Discipline
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students study how to manage the behavior of children using a variety of communication, guidance, and discipline strategies. Students will learn to distinguish between typical developmentally appropriate behaviors, and atypical behaviors that jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of self and others. Students will also learn to support children in the development of self-regulation skills.
ECE 147 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- ECE 107 with a C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 230
Students will examine the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children's development, learning, and school experiences. 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.
ECE 149 Inclusion of Children With Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- ECE 145 with C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students learn curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs. The topics include; designing inclusive environments, partnering with families, learning how to conduct observations and assessments from birth to school age, and preparing an education plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.
ECE 150 Practicum Experience in an Inclusive Classroom
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1, Lab Hours: 6
- Prerequisite
- ECE 149 with a C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will participate in supervised internships as assistants in early intervention or inclusion settings with children with special needs from birth through eight years. They will adapt curriculum, design natural environments, identify and assess special needs, and create individualized educational plans.
ECE 191 Infant Toddler Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students learn current theory and research and developmentally appropriate practices, interactions, and environments for infants and toddlers in group care. Students will be introduced to theories and research regarding infant and toddler development, essential policies, and principles. They will learn to create environments that offer developmentally appropriate challenges for infants and toddlers. They will also examine how to develop meaningful connections between infant and toddler programs and their families. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
ECE 192 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- FCS 070 with C or better
- Advisory
- ECE 191
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students gain knowledge of different principles and practices to care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. They will examine policies and regulations that lead to quality care for infants and toddlers. They will learn to observe and assess infants and toddlers for their development, and design developmentally appropriate curriculum for them. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
ECE 195 The School Age Child: Development, Behavior, Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will study the physical, cognitive, social, and psychological development of children ages five through twelve years. This course focuses on how to plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and includes conflict management, children with special needs, and community resources. Students will learn how to observe children in a classroom setting and will be assigned to an off-site elementary school to complete observation assignments.