Early Childhood Education AS Degree

Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1190

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 38 units in the major required for the Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Students need to complete 32 units of required core courses and an additional 6 units of restricted elective courses. An additional 15 General Education units and at least 7 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:

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

Degree Requirements

Core Courses: # of Units

• ECE 15 Child Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
• ECE 17 Principles/Practices of Teaching Young Children (3)
• ECE 1* Human Development (3) OR ECE 9* Child Growth and Development (3)
  • (ECE 9 is recommended for students planning to transfer to a 4 year program for a degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development)
• ECE 2* Child, Family, Community (3)
• ECE 20 Introduction to Curriculum (3)
• ECE 7 Early Childhood Observation & Assessment (3)
• ECE 52 Guidance in Adult-Child Relations (3)
• ECE 60 Advanced Curriculum (3)
• ECE 28* Teaching in a Diverse Society (3)
• ECE 8 Teaching Practicum for Young Children (3)

Restricted Electives - (Choose six units) 6

• ECE 3 Early Childhood Program Administration (3)
• ECE 6 Exploring Family Childcare (1)
• ECE 12 Infant Toddler Learning (3)
• ECE 14 School Age and Adolescent Development (3)
• ECE 16** Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education (2)
• ECE 22 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3)
• ECE 24 EC Curriculum: School Age Care (3)
• ECE 26 The Child With Special Needs (3)
• ECE 27 Teaching Children with Special Needs and Early Intervention Strategies (3)
• ECE 51 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (3)
• ECE 140 Essentials of 40 Developmental Assets (1)
• ECE 147 Mental Health Awareness in ECE Programs (1)
• ECE 155 The Young Child: Introduction to the Montessori Method (1)

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.

Administration in ECE Specialization

• ECE 3 Early Childhood Program Administration (3)
• ECE 51 Early Childhood Staffing and Management (3)
• ECE 16** Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education (2)

Infant/Toddler Teaching Specialization

• ECE 12 Infant Toddler Learning (3)
• ECE 22 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3)

Special Needs in Early Childhood Education/Early Intervention Specialization

• ECE 26 The Child with Special Needs (3)
• ECE 27 Teaching Children with Special Needs and Early Intervention Strategies (3)

*May be used to fulfill General Education requirements.

**Students who plan on applying for a Child Development Permit for Master Teacher or higher will also need ECE 16.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

Major: 36

Additional General Education: 15

General Electives: 9

Degree Total: 60*

*Note: : Calculation assumes a student will double-count the Multicultural graduation requirement with either a social science or humanities G.E. requirement. If students plan well and see a counselor, they may be able to double count the Multicultural units. If this graduation requirement is added, the number of units is increased by 3 units.

For reference only as of 2022/2023

Requirements subject to change. Please refer to your Course Catalog.