Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Certificate | SC Program: CT.3451
The Early Childhood Education Certificate will offer students initial training to work with young children. After completion of the 24-unit certificate requirements, the student will qualify for employment as an entry-level teacher in private child care settings licensed through the Department of Social Services. The Early Childhood Education Certificate course work also meets the training requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. All certificate requirements must be completed with a “C” grade or better.
This 24 unit certificate is intended to fulfill the ECE requirement of a lower-division program of study that can transfer to the CSU system. With additional coursework, both at lower-division and upper-division levels, it prepares the student for in-depth coursework toward higher degree attainment. When the 24-unit certificate is combined with 16 General Education units, it qualifies the student for a Child Development Permit issued by the Office of Teacher Credentialing, at the Teacher level.
This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.
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
11 Units TotalECE 2
GE
M
3
Child, Family, Community
ECE 2
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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ECE 9
GE
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 20
M
2
EC Curriculum: Intro to Curriculum
ECE 20
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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ECE 17
M
3
Prin & Pracs of Teaching Young Children
ECE 17
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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Spring Semester, First Year
6 Units TotalECE 15
M
3
Child Health, Safety and Nutrition
ECE 15
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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ECE 7
M
3
Early Childhood Observation & Assessment
ECE 7
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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Fall Semester, Second Year
8 Units TotalECE 8
M
5
Teaching Practices for Young Children
ECE 8
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
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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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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Phone
(530) 242-7560
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