Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
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.
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 Teacher Credential. 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.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
16 Units TotalENGL 1A
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MATH 41A
3
Concepts of Elementary Math
MATH 41A
This course emphasizes the development of quantitative reasoning skills through in-depth investigations of mathematics topics, which include: patterns and sequences, inductive and deductive reasoning, problem solving, logic, set theory, set of real numbers and its subsets.
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ECE 2
M
3
Child, Family, Community
ECE 2
This course covers the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. It also examines the influence of multiple societal contexts, and explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, birth through adolescence. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 9
M
3
Child Growth and Development
ECE 9
This course provides an in-depth examination of the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 17
M
3
Principles / Practices of Teaching Young Children
ECE 17
This course is an examination of the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children from birth through age eight. Students will explore the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators and identify professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. This course includes an introduction to 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. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalART 1
3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, and techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. This course is recommended as a Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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BIOL 10
3
General Biology
BIOL 10
Note: BIOL 10 will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with BIOL 10L.
This course is an introduction to the major concepts of modern biology. Topics covered include biochemistry, cell biology, heredity, and nature of genes, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. Emphasis will be placed on those aspects of biology that are rapidly reshaping our culture. This course may be offered in a distance education format. This course will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with BIOL 10L.
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This course is an introduction to the major concepts of modern biology. Topics covered include biochemistry, cell biology, heredity, and nature of genes, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. Emphasis will be placed on those aspects of biology that are rapidly reshaping our culture. This course may be offered in a distance education format. This course will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with BIOL 10L.
ECE 20
M
3
Introduction to Curriculum
ECE 20
This course focuses on developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will 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. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 7
M
3
Early Childhood Observation and Assessment
ECE 7
This course provides the student with opportunities for further study of development and behavior of young children by developing skills in observation and assessment. Recording strategies, rating scales, portfolios and multiple assessment tools are explored. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 15
M
3
Child Health, Safety and Nutrition
ECE 15
This course focuses on the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher's role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
14 Units TotalCMST 60
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: ENGL 1A or English Placement Level 7 or higher.
This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PSYC 41
3
Cultural/Social Context of Childhood
PSYC 41
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course examines child development with a focus on the effects of cultural and social factors. These factors include the socialization process and cultural influences such as ethnic identity, socioeconomic status, gender roles, family, peers, faith, and community. Significant references highlight the experiences of children and their families from several different historically underrepresented groups. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course examines child development with a focus on the effects of cultural and social factors. These factors include the socialization process and cultural influences such as ethnic identity, socioeconomic status, gender roles, family, peers, faith, and community. Significant references highlight the experiences of children and their families from several different historically underrepresented groups. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ECE 52
M
3
Guidance in Adult-Child Relations
ECE 52
This course explores principles and strategies of positive guidance that are both effective and flexible for adults interacting with young and school age children. Cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics and needs of children will be examined. This course would be of interest to parents, educators, caregivers, and any adult involved with or interested in children. This class may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 147
1
Mental Health Awareness in ECE Programs
ECE 147
This course introduces the student to mental health issues in young children, their families, and their caregivers. It includes an overview of early childhood mental health from prenatal development to eight years of age, and the effects of environment and biology on mental health. Students will become aware of potential mental health concerns in early childhood, and how we can help children, parents, and caregivers in our programs. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 6
1
Exploring Family Childcare
ECE 6
This course provides an introduction to family childcare. Topics presented include an overview of regulations, family childcare management, importance of culturally diverse and age appropriate activities, and safe and healthful setting in a family childcare. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ECE 8
M
3
Teaching Practicum for Young Children
ECE 8
Note: Supervised field experience for the Child Development Permit will be obtained through the course lab hours at the Shasta College ECE Center Lab School or an early childhood Mentor classroom.
This capstone course focuses on identifying, developing, and refining skills and behaviors essential for effective teaching of young children, consistent with national standards. The course is intended for students who want or need a supervised field experience where they have the opportunity to work directly with children to integrate theory and practice. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills that focus on child-centered, play-based approaches to teaching by designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities, as well as gaining practical knowledge of learning and assessment. Knowledge of curriculum design will be emphasized as students plan, prepare, present, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development. The lecture component of this course may be offered in a distance education format. This course includes 54 hours of participation with young children in the Shasta College ECE Center Lab School or in a certified early childhood Mentor classroom.
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This capstone course focuses on identifying, developing, and refining skills and behaviors essential for effective teaching of young children, consistent with national standards. The course is intended for students who want or need a supervised field experience where they have the opportunity to work directly with children to integrate theory and practice. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills that focus on child-centered, play-based approaches to teaching by designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities, as well as gaining practical knowledge of learning and assessment. Knowledge of curriculum design will be emphasized as students plan, prepare, present, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development. The lecture component of this course may be offered in a distance education format. This course includes 54 hours of participation with young children in the Shasta College ECE Center Lab School or in a certified early childhood Mentor classroom.
ECE 60
M
3
Advanced Curriculum
ECE 60
This course will explore multiple areas of development for young children. Students will analyze the factors that affect and facilitate physical growth and development of young children. Students will learn strategies for supporting affective development with specific guidance directed to young children's social, emotional, and creative needs. This course will enable students to enhance young children's cognitive skills in language development and critical thinking skills. An integrated curriculum will be created with focus on health and nutrition, music and rhythm, perceptual and motor development, art expression, self-understanding, socialization, communication, literacy, mathematics, and science inquiry. Students will acquire strategies for identifying curriculum goals and procedures that strengthen young children's skills. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 22
3
Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
ECE 22
This course focuses on the planning, preparation, and presentation of developmentally appropriate curriculum activities, materials, and learning environments for use with infants and toddlers to support physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development. Emphasis will be placed upon increasing the student's skills in critically analyzing education settings and materials for infants and toddlers. Special attention will be given to both indoor and outdoor environments and curriculum. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 28
M
3
Teaching in a Diverse Society
ECE 28
This course offers an examination of the development of social identities in diverse societies, including theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. Various early education classroom strategies will be explored, emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. This course includes self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media, and schooling. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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