Early Childhood Education Program

Why Choose Our Early Childhood Education Program?

The Early Childhood Education Program educates and trains  students in developmentally appropriate practice guided by principles established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to work with children from infancy through middle childhood.  Through a broad range of theoretical perspectives, students examine child growth and development, gain experience in observation and assessment, use of appropriate guidance techniques, understand child health safety and nutrition, learn to plan and implement curriculum and demonstrate knowledge of state licensing regulations for child care and development programs.  The Early Childhood Education Program prepares students to teach in infant/toddler, preschool, child care and development programs. It also prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions, and to participate in the broader society as child advocates.  Program curriculum is aligned with the Child Development Permit Matrix and with the Curriculum Alignment Project.

The associate degrees and certificates in Early Childhood Education boast breadth and depth, offering students the benefits of hands-on training through practicum and field experience coursework.

What are the degree options?

   Early Childhood Education Associate in Arts
   Early Childhood Education Associate in Science for Transfer
   Early Childhood Education Associate Teacher, Certificate of Achievement
   Early Childhood Education Master Teacher, Certificate of Achievement
   Early Childhood Education Site Supervisor, Certificate of Achievement  
   Early Childhood Education Teacher, Certificate of Achievement

Early Childhood Education courses provide foundational and global perspectives of children and childhood. Those who are pursuing a career may choose to complete a certificate or an Associate in Arts degree and then transfer to a California State University (CSU) with a major in child development.

What can I do with my degree?

See the Employment Requirements, Labor Market Information and the Child Development Permit Matrix for qualifications to work in most Early Childhood Education environments.

Places you could work with a major in Early Childhood Education:  Head Start/Early Head Start, State Preschool, First 5 Preschool, After School Programs, Preschool Teacher, Infant/toddler Teacher, Head Teacher, Site Supervisor, Center Director, Child Care Resource and Referral Agency Counselor, Community Recreation Program staff, Family Child Care Provider, Facility Child Care Provider for at-risk children, Parent and Family Support Coordinator, Family Literacy Coordinator.

Helpful Links

• Family Resource & Referral Center
• San Joaquin County Office of Education, Early Childhood Education Department
• Child Development Training Consortium
• California Early Childhood Mentor Program
• California Community Care Licensing
• California Association for the Education of Young Children
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Early Childhood Education Job Opportunities

Who Is Teaching Early Childhood Development?

• Early Childhood Education Faculty Bios and Course Materials