Early Childhood Education

Program description

The Early Childhood Education Program prepares students to become teachers and directors in programs providing care and learning opportunities for young children ages 0-8. The college courses focus on training for careers in preschools, Head Start, child care programs, infant-toddler, school age, and family child care. Programs for young children require different qualifications for teachers and child care providers. The A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education at Shasta College meets course work qualifications for the Child Development Teacher Permit and Community Care Licensing staff qualifications for a teacher and director. Additional specified experience with children is required.

There are a minimum of 36 units in the major required for the Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Students need to complete 30 units of required core courses and an additional 6 units of restricted elective courses. An additional 15 General Education units and at least 9 general elective units will complete the Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. All courses applied to the ECE A.S. Degree must be completed with a “C” grade or better, or a "P" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Apply an understanding of principles of child development in planning inclusive and developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments.
2. Exhibit skill in observation and documentation as a vehicle for child and program assessment and curriculum design.
3. Create environments that are healthy, respectful and supportive to children and their families.
4. Utilize positive guidance of young children based on an understanding of cognitive, physical, and social and emotional development of children.
5. Identify professional standards and expectations as based upon NA EYC’S Code of Ethical Conduct.
6. Discuss current trends and issues in the field of Early Childhood Education.
7. Perform common tasks online and access resources and information in regard to current best practices in early education.
8. Identify and exhibit the ability to interact successfully with children and adults from an ever changing society.

Degree requirements

Specializations

ECE graduates are qualified to work with children ages 0-8. However, it is recommended that students meet the additional 6-unit requirement by selecting and completing one of the following Specializations (Administration in ECE, Infant/Toddler Teaching, School-Age Teaching, or Special Needs in ECE/Early Intervention). A Specialization is required for Master Teacher or above levels of the Child Development Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing. Associate and Teacher Levels do not require a Specialization.

To qualify for a Child Development Permit from the California Office on Teacher Credentialing, students will need to take at least one additional unit of General Education approved curriculum. Applicants for the Permit should consult with the ECE Department to discuss selection of elective units for the degree. ECE courses may not be counted toward the 16 GE unit requirement for the Child Development Permit.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements