Early Childhood Education
Associate of Science (AS) Early Childhood Education · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
This program centers around the continuing experience of supervised teaching combined with intensive classroom instruction. Basic principles of early childhood education and child development, including curriculum for preschools and caregiving for infant centers are introduced the first year. In depth study of language and cognitive processes of young children and an introduction to exceptionality is the focus of the second year. Throughout, there is considerable emphasis placed on developing personal interaction styles consistent with fostering good staff relations, knowledge of community resources, and awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse populations with whom the student will work.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| ECE 102 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 103 | Foundations of ECE I Principles | 5 |
| ECE 104 | Foundations of ECE II Practicum | 5 |
| ECE 108 | Creative Learning and Curriculum | 3 |
| ECE 120 | Child Growth and Development/Educators | 3 |
| orPSY 140 | Child Development | |
| ECE 121 | Health, Safety And Nutrition For Young Children | 3 |
| ECE 128 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECE 132 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Total Units | 28.00 | |
Note: Forty-five half-days of student teaching in an ECE Department-approved site is required.
Recommended Support Courses*
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 100 | Concepts Of Biology | 4 |
| COMP 101 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 4 |
| HIST 107 | World Civilization, Beginnings to 1550 | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| PHSC 103 | The Physical Universe | 4 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
*One semester of a foreign language is also recommended.
Learning Outcomes
Discuss the diverse needs, characteristics and multiple influences on the development of children, birth through age eight, as related to high quality care and education.
Using observation skills, design, implement and evaluate environments and curriculum activities that support positive, developmental play and learning for all young children.
Identify and implement effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children’s social learning, identity and self-confidence.
Develop and implement strategies that promote partnerships between programs, teachers, families, and their diverse communities.
Recognize ethical standards and demonstrate professional behaviors that deepen understanding, knowledge and commitment to the Early Childhood Education profession.
Apply written and verbal communication skills and research practices to discuss relevant and accurate information related to General Education courses.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.