Early Childhood Education
Associate in Science Early Childhood Education · Woodland Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This degree prepares students for a variety of careers in Early Childhood Care and Education. The degree includes General Education courses, which are required for most California Child Development Permits, and can lead to higher wages and more opportunities for career advancement. Positions are available nationwide in preschools, child care facilities, private homes, recreation programs, child development centers on K-12 school sites, and human service agencies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Develop and refine both non-verbal and verbal communication skills to enhance professionalism when working with children, families, and co-workers in the child care field.
- Evaluate and analyze the use of different developmental theories and instructional strategies that encourage development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills when working with children and families.
- Students will learn and practice professional ethics, personal and social responsibility, and effective team membership in their work as child care professionals.
The California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit (required for jobs at state- and federally-funded programs) also requires 350 days of experience at 3+ hours per day within 4 years, including at least 100 days of supervising adults.
The California Child Development Master Teacher Permit (required for jobs at state- and federally-funded programs) also requires 350 days of experience at 3+ hours per day within 4 years.
Plus 30 additional degree-applicable units, including the WCC General Education and Graduation Requirements. (30 Units)
Required Courses for Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 18 | |
| CDEV-C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE-1A | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| ECE-1B | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| ECE-11 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECE-31 | Child, Family, Community | 3 |
| ECE-45 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Electives: Choose 6 units | 6 | |
| ECE-4 | Positive Social Development in Young Child | 3 |
| ECE-7 | Creative Materials | 3 |
| ECE-8 | Worldwide Arts for Children | 3 |
| ECE-10 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| ECE-27 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ECE-37 | Adult Supervision | 2 |
| ECE-39 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| Specialization: Choose 6 units within the same specialization | 6 | |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-2A | Admin I: Programs in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE-2B | Admin II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-42 | Infant/Toddler Development | 3 |
| ECE-43 | Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-14 | The School Age Child | 3 |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-17 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE-18 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| Total units | 30 | |
†To earn an Associate degree, students will complete at least 60 units of degree-applicable coursework, including required courses for the major (listed above), General Education, and Graduation Requirements.