Associate in Science for Transfer | SC Program: AS-T.1002

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program includes many different job opportunities related to direct work with young children.  Students pursing this major should enjoy interacting with children and have a strong desire to help them learn and succeed.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education Transfer degree is designed to provide students with a common core of eight early childhood education courses (approved by the Curriculum Alignment Project) that permit students to transfer smoothly to participating CSU’s to complete a Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education.

The degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to certain California State University (CSU) campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors, and Child Life Specialists. With a BA in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the Master Teacher and Site Supervisor levels of the CA Child Development Permit, using the Alternative Qualifications category.

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 Total
ENGL 1A
GE 4
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
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MATH 41A
GE M 3
Concepts of Elementary Mathematics
MATH 41A
Units 3
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 17
GE M 3
Prin & Pracs of Teaching Young Children
ECE 17
Units 3
An examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs, environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development for all children. This course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity. Emphasis will be placed upon increasing the student146s skills in critically analyzing educational settings for young children. Special attention will be given to room arrangement, selection and storage of materials. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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ECE 9
GE M 3
Child Growth and Development
ECE 9
Units 3
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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POLS 2
GE 3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. 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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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
ENGL 1B
GE 3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Units 3
Course is an introduction to the study of literature, some of its major themes and types, including poetry, short story, novel and drama. Critical and analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills are stressed, with emphasis on close textual analysis and use of textual evidence to support ideas about literary works. Students will learn to argue and refute interpretations of literature and to recognize a wide variety of strategies employed to achieve literary effects. Students taking the Internet format of this course must have access to the Internet.
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ESCI 12
GE Lab 4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Units 4
Note: Required field trips. The lecture portion of this course may be offered as distance education.

A survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 2
M 3
Child, Family, Community
ECE 2
Units 3
Child, Family, Community introduces the student to the interacting influences of family life and community experiences, with consideration of historical and socio-cultural factors, that affect the developing child. The course focuses on the primary social relationships and social settings within the context of dissimilar family patterns. The study encourages understanding and practical utilization of community systems and resources that promote quality outcomes for both preschool and school age children, families, schools, and communities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
GE 3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 20
GE 2
EC Curriculum: Intro to Curriculum
ECE 20
Units 2
This course introduces the student to developmentally-based curriculum for young children in early care and learning settings. The course includes a rationale for organizing and implementing daily, monthly, and long-range activity planning. Students will acquire an understanding of the philosophies and strategies for developing and documenting integrated curricula for early childhood programs. The equivalent of this course in content and objectives may also be offered on the Internet.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

17 Units Total
CMST 60
GE 3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
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BIOL 10
GE 4
General Biology
BIOL 10
Units 4
This course is an introduction to the major concepts of modern biology. Topics covered include 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 is an approved general education course for non-life science majors who desire an introductory biology course with laboratory.
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ECE 7
M 3
Early Childhood Observation & Assessment
ECE 7
Units 3
Note: Observation hours for this course will be obtained through the course lab hours at the Shasta College Early Childhood Education Center or a designated Early Childhood Mentor Site. This course provides the student with opportunities for further study of development and behavior of young children by developing skills in observation and assessment.
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ENGL 36
M 3
Children's Literature
ENGL 36
Units 3
This course provides an overview of the origins and developments of children's literature and acquaints the student with different genres of literature written for and read by children. In addition to exploring ways of promoting children's development through literature, students will also learn how to approach children's literature from a critical and theoretical perspective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 15
GE 3
Child Health, Safety and Nutrition
ECE 15
Units 3
Provides an opportunity for early childhood educators and caregivers to focus on health, safety and nutrition in children?s programs. Fundamentals of a safe and healthful environment, including knowledge of state and local laws and regulations will be introduced. Key factors that ensure physical health, mental health and safety for both children and staff, and effective strategies for working collaboratively with families will be identified. Community health, safety and nutrition resources and their application to the children?s curriculum will be highlighted. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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BIOL 10L
GE 1
General Biology Laboratory
BIOL 10L
Units 1
Note: BIOL 10 will meet the general education requirement for a lab science if taken with BIOL 10L.

This is a laboratory course that offers experiments and demonstrations covering the basic concepts of the lecture course BIOL 10. The laboratory is designed to expose student to biological techniques including microscopy, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

14 Units Total
ECE 8
M 5
Teaching Practices for Young Children
ECE 8
Units 5
Note: Supervised field site experience for the California Child Development Permit will be obtained through the course lab hours at the Shasta College Early Childhood Education Center or a designated Early Childhood Mentor Site. This course focuses on identifying, developing and refining skills and behaviors essential for effective teaching of young children. The course is intended for students who are concurrently working or volunteering in center-based programs for young children (infant, toddler, preschool or after school care) where they have the opportunity to work directly with the children to test the methods and refine the teaching skills explored in the course.
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ECE 28
M 3
Teaching in a Diverse Society
ECE 28
Units 3
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. 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 learning format.
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher

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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ART 1
M 3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
Units 3
A basic course in the visual arts including architecture, craft, graphics, painting and sculpture. Historical periods and the artist's role in society are covered in the Stone Age, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, and Twentieth Century. Fundamental concepts of line, color, value, texture, form and space are examined by two and three dimensional examples. Recommended for Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance learning 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:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

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