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
GE
4
College Composition
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 this course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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MATH 41A
GE
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 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 17
M
3
Prin/Prac-Teaching Young Chld
ECE 17
This course is an examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and environments. It emphasizes the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative, and intellectual development for all children. It 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 student's 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 education format.
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PSYC 41
3
Cultural/Soc Context Childhood
PSYC 41
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, 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 under-represented 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 under-represented groups. This course may be offered in a distance education format..
Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalECE 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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ECE 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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ENGL 36
GE
3
Children's Literature
ENGL 36
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 12
M
3
Infant Toddler Learning
ECE 12
This course focuses on developmental research and current practices during conception, infancy, and toddlerhood. The course applies theoretical foundations to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment, with an emphasis on understanding developmental stages, planning optimal environments with a focus on culture and relationships, and clarifying the caregiving role of teachers and child-care workers for children during the first three years of life. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with 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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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with 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.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalBIOL 10
GE
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
Intro to Curriculum
ECE 20
This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age 8. Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment strategies. An overview of content areas will include but not be limited to: language and literacy, social and emotional learning, sensory learning, art and creativity, math and science. Students will acquire an understanding of the philosophies and strategies for developing and documenting integrated curricula for early childhood programs including ways to organize and implement daily, monthly, and long-range activity planning. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 7
M
3
EC Observation/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 52
M
3
Guidance-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 22
M
3
Care/Educ for Infants/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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Spring Semester, Second Year
14 Units TotalECE 8
Pre.
M
3
Teaching Pract for Yng Chldrn
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 15
M
3
Child Health, Safety & Nutrit
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 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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ETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
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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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 16
2
Adlt Sprvsn & Mntring in ECE
ECE 16
Advisory: ECE 3 with a grade of C or higher
Designed to satisfy the Child Development Permit Adult Supervision requirement. Course content focuses on the methods and principles of supervising the adult learner in the early childhood program. Addresses the roles of early childhood professionals who function as a mentor to other staff and parents while simultaneously meeting objectives for children, parents, and staff, with emphasis on the classroom teacher. Expanded modeling, guidance, and evaluation approaches will be examined. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Designed to satisfy the Child Development Permit Adult Supervision requirement. Course content focuses on the methods and principles of supervising the adult learner in the early childhood program. Addresses the roles of early childhood professionals who function as a mentor to other staff and parents while simultaneously meeting objectives for children, parents, and staff, with emphasis on the classroom teacher. Expanded modeling, guidance, and evaluation approaches will be examined. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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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