This degree prepares students for entry-level employment and/or potential further study in the field of early childhood education programs. Students completing this degree will have a foundation in early childhood education through the study of child development theory and best practices in early care and education and will acquire skills and lab experience to orient them into the field of early childhood care and education workforce. It will also meet the education requirements to obtain a California Child Development Assistant, Associate Teacher or Teacher Permit. 

Program Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of influencing factors and strategies to utilize in effectively promoting partnerships between children, and their teachers, families, and/or communities.
• Based on knowledge of child development theories and principles, students will demonstrate the ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices in their work within early childhood. 
• Understand and demonstrate knowledge of ethical standards and professional behaviors that will be supportive of their role in the early childhood profession.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be educationally prepared for potential careers or employment in the following roles: owner or assistant at a licensed family child care (home daycare), teacher at a licensed child care facility, early intervention assistant, child development family specialist, instructional assistant in a special education classroom, after school para-educator, family services worker in a Head Start program, etc. Students who meet the work experience requirement to obtain a California Child Development teacher permit will be eligible to supervise a child care Associate Teacher, Assistant, and an aide in a licensed child care setting. 

Note

This degree is not designed for transfer; however, the courses included in this degree may be transferable and apply to other degrees designed for transfer.

 Program Requirements

*

Courses meet General Education requirements and 3 units may double count above in COS-GE.

The Associate Degree requirements include completion of the:

1. Required major courses and restricted elective courses with a "C" or better grade in each course (required and restricted elective courses may be substituted with the approval of the Division Chair),
2. General Education requirements,
3. Subject requirements including PE, Health & Wellness, and American Institutions, and
4. A minimum of 60 units of degree applicable courses numbered 1-299, at least 12 of which must be taken in residence at College of the Sequoias, with a "C" (2.0) average (see Associate Degree Requirements for additional details).