We are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. This provides a clear
pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. This AS-T degree guarantees admission
with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and gives priority admission consideration
to your local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to your community
college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.
More information on the Degree with a Guarantee Program.
The Early Childhood Education Degree for Transfer
Guarantees acceptance to the CSU system
Prepares students for careers in Child Development and Early Childhood Education
Prepares students for transfer to child development, elementary education, and education
programs
All professionals working with children are required to have a clean criminal record,
to demonstrate freedom from tuberculosis (TB), and to demonstrate the physical ability
to perform all of the duties of a professional position working directly with children.
Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best
meets their goals and needs.
What will I learn?
To examine teaching and care practices that provide a developmentally appropriate
program to support children's growth, development, and learning.
To identify one's own values, experiences, and philosophies and how they guide and
inform practices.
To integrate understandings of children's development and needs to maintain healthy,
safe, supportive, and challenging learning environments that demonstrate culturally
relevant, inclusive, age-appropriate, and anti-bias approaches respectful of children,
families, and early learning professionals.
Note: Some courses within the major have a required prerequisite. If you feel you
have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course
through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity
to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the Department Chair. For the
Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation and verification
to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please see a counselor for more information
about the Prerequisite Challenge process.
3.0 Units C-ID: ECE 120 Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course provides historical context and theoretical perspectives
of developmentally appropriate practices in early care and education for children
from birth through age eight. The course emphasizes 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. Topics
include professional ethics, career pathways, professional standards, and the typical
roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Students are required to observe
children in a group setting.
3.0 Units C-ID: ECE 130 Introduction to Curriculum Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course explores developmentally appropriate curriculum and
environments for children from birth through age eight. Students 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. Students are required to observe children in a group
setting.
3.0 Units C-ID: CDEV 110 Child Family and Community Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course examines the processes of socialization focusing on
the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and the influence of multiple
societal contexts. Students explore the role of collaboration between family, community,
and schools in supporting children's development, from birth through adolescence.
Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for IGETC Area
4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units C-ID: CDEV 100 Child Growth and Development Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course examines progression of development in the physical,
cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for
children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions
between biological processes and environmental factors. Students observe children,
evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various
stages according to developmental theories. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area
D or E, Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units C-ID: ECE 220 Health, Safety and Nutrition Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course introduces the laws, regulations, standards, policies,
procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and
education settings for children from birth through middle childhood. Topics covered
include the teacher's role in prevention strategies; nutrition and meal planning;
integrating health, safety, and nutrition experiences into daily routines; and overall
risk management. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Students
are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 7.
3.0 Units C-ID: ECE 230 Teaching in a Diverse Society Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course examines the impact of various societal influences on
the development of children's social identity, covering developmentally appropriate,
inclusive, culturally relevant, and anti-bias approaches. Self-examination and reflection
on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, and bias are explored. Students
are required to observe children and environments where children are in a group setting.
Approved for Local GE Area 6.
54 hours lecture. This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation
tools and strategies to document young children's development and learning. This course
emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences.
Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are
explored, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.
Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units C-ID: ECE 210 Practicum in Early Childhood Education Prerequisite: CHDV C100, CHDV C102, CHDV C104, CHDV C106, CHDV C121, CHDV C125, CHDV
C200.
36 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. In this course, students demonstrate developmentally
appropriate early childhood planning and teaching competencies under the supervision
of Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) faculty and other qualified
early education professionals. Students 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
is emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies,
and techniques that promote development and learning. This course includes exploration
of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Students
work in a supervised field experience and are required to perform at least 54 hours
of practicum work under the direct supervision of a Master Teacher (or someone who
would qualify as a Master Teacher) in an instructor-approved infant/toddler or preschool
program. School-age program placement is restricted to before- and after-school programs
or kindergarten. Participation in a placement setting requires proof of tuberculosis
(TB) and immunization clearance.
General Ed Requirements
Complete one of the following general education patterns:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: The California Commission on Teacher
Credentialing grants permits in accordance with the Child Development Permit Matrix.
Applications are separate from Cerro Coso Community College and must be submitted
to California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Contact any Child Development faculty
member or visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for more information regarding the Permit Matrix and Professional Growth Advisors.
For all Permits, all course work must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this degree are available at the following campuses: CC Online
Additionally, some of the general education courses needed to complete this major
are available at all our locations.
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This degree requires 60.0 units and will likely take 4 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
60.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $2,760 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies
Total cost $6,360 for 4 semesters
Non-residents
60.0 units
at $382 per unit
Equals $22,920 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies
Total cost $26,520 for 4 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your
FAFSA every January.
We are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. This provides a clear
pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. This AS-T degree guarantees admission
with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and gives priority admission consideration
to your local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to your community
college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.
More information on the Degree with a Guarantee Program.