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Early Childhood Education A.A. Degree

Full Time

This program roadmap represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. This roadmap is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Catalog:
2025-26
GE Pattern:
local AA/AS
Total Units:
60

First Year

Semester 1

15 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites GE AREA
Req
ECE 300
Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
3
Req
ECE 312
Child Development or
3
L4
PSYC 372
Child Development
3
Req
ECE 430
Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
3
GE
ENGL C1000
Academic Reading and Writing or
3
L1A
ENGL C1000H H
Academic Reading and Writing - Honors
3
GE
any Area L3 (Arts & Humanities) course
3
L3

Semester 2

16 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites GE AREA
Req
ECE 314
The Child, the Family and the Community
3
L7B
Req
ECE 320
Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education
4
ECE 300 and 312
Req
ECE 331
Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers
3
Req
ECE 415
Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition or
3
NUTRI 320
Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition
3
GE
MATH 310
Mathematical Discovery
3
L2

Second Year

Semester 3

14 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites GE AREA
Req
ECE 321
Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education
4
ECE 320
Req
ECE 326
Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation
3
ECE 300 and 312
GE
any Area L1B (Oral Communication & Critical Thinking) course
3
L1B
GE
any Area L5 (Natural Sciences) course
3
L5
GE
any Area L7A (Physical Education) course
1
L7A

Semester 4

15 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites GE AREA
Req
ECE 325
Positive Guidance Strategies with Young Children
3
Req
ECE 404
Children with Special Needs
3
ECE 312 or PSYC 372
RE
ECE 330
Infant and Toddler Development
3
GE
any Area L6 (Ethnic Studies) course
3
L6
Elec
any elective course
3

H honors courses

Explanation of Categories
Req Required Core A course that is required for this program
GE General Education A course that fulfills a specific general education requirement for a degree, which can be replaced with another course that meets the same requirement
RE Restricted Elective A course selected from a list of elective courses specified for this program in the course list in the catalog, which can be replaced with another course from the same list
Elec Degree Elective A degree-applicable course that is part of a degree roadmap to ensure that there is a total of at least 60 units, which is a requirement for an associate degree

Career path

Career Options:

  • early childhood education teacher – infants through preschool
  • preschool
  • teacher assistant
  • special education teacher (preschool, K-12, private)
  • child development specialist
  • family child care owner
  • education administrator
  • home visitor
  • child life specialist
  • parent educator
  • resource and referral specialist
  • children’s museum educational coordinator

This degree helps students complete many of the requirements for transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Child Development B.A. degree. See a counselor for the additional coursework required for transfer.

Advising Notes:

  • This degree can be completed using either the local AA/AS general education (GE) pattern or the Cal-GETC transfer GE pattern. See a counselor to determine which pattern is best for you based on your academic goals.
  • Students can substitute ESLW 340 for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly known as ENGWR 300/480).
  • Elective Courses: any elective courses numbered 100-499, or having a 4-digit number starting with C.
  • ECE 320 and 321 both have a lab and a lecture component. Each course requires students to complete 108 hours in an approved early education classroom. Students taking these courses will have the option of completing their practicum experience at the ARC Child Development Center (CDC), at their worksite (if it meets required lab placement criteria), or from a department-approved community placement site.
  • Placements at community sites and the ARC CDC will require the following immunizations: a current TB test (0-12 months), T-DAP (within 10 years), and MMR. Students may sign a waiver for the flu vaccine.
  • Students must complete both ECE 300 and ECE 312/PSYC 372 with a "C" or better before taking ECE 320.

Other Notes:

  • While working toward this certificate students will qualify for the Associate Teacher certificate and the Teacher certificate. See ECE maps and meet with a counselor for guidance.
  • Each ECE certificate level relates to the educational preparation for each level of Child Development permits through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. See their website for additional requirements.

Published April 12, 2025

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