Early Childhood Education, Associate in Arts

The Early Childhood Education Program educates and trains students in developmentally appropriate practice guided by principles established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to work with children from infancy through middle childhood. Through a broad range of theoretical perspectives, students examine child growth and development, gain experience in observation and use of appropriate guidance techniques, learn to plan and implement curriculum, and demonstrate knowledge of state licensing regulations for child care and development programs. The Early Childhood Education Program prepares students to teach in child care and development programs, to transfer to four-year institutions, and to participate in the broader society as child advocates. Program curriculum is aligned with the Child Development Permit Matrix and with the Curriculum Alignment Project.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate understanding of early childhood principles and practices required for employment including maintaining health and safety standards, creating appropriate early learning environments, complying with state licensing regulations and guiding children's behavior with respectful and supportive method.
2. Students will utilize various observational techniques to assess children's learning and development and use the results to plan developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate curriculum.
3. Students will describe and distinguish major theories of child development to support in planning appropriate early experiences for children.

General Education

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

• San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education (AA-GE) pattern (24 units)
• California State University General Education (CSU-GE) pattern (40 units)
• Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum - CSU Version (IGETC-CSU) pattern (37 units)

Students are advised to double-count courses in the major or area of emphasis to also satisfy general education when possible. Course subject credit will be awarded in satisfaction of both major/area of emphasis and lower division general education requirements, but the units will only be counted once in computing the total number of units for the degree.

Major Requirements - Core

Complete 24 units

Minimum Major Units Required: 24

Complete all courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Minimum Degree Units Required: 60