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Early Childhood Studies: Elementary Education in Diversity Studies

Award Type: Associate in Science

Completion of an AS Degree in Early Childhood Studies: Elementary Education in Diversity Studies is designed to lay the foundation for working in diverse educational settings. The certificate focuses on human experiences and how humans view the world and their communities. The program teaches students reflective strategies to assess inclusive early care and education workplace culture and address inequities. Completion of this degree would qualify students up to a Master Teacher-level permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This prepares the student to work in Title 5, Title XXII and federally funded programs.

The graduate of the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Studies: Elementary Education in Diversity Studies will:

  • Understand and apply child development theories and principles.
  • Identify and implement observation, documentation, and other assessment strategies.
  • Value and cultivate collaborative family and community relationships.
  • Identify, develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices to positively guide children's behavior and learning.
  • Develop self-reflective habits and grow as members of the early childhood profession to understand the complexities of working with diverse groups of families, children, staff and the community.
  • Develop an environment that honors the diversity of the learning community (children, families, staff and community) through empowerment, equity, respect and dignity.

Program Requirements

A major of 41-44 units is required for the degree.

Demonstration of proficiency in Spanish and in English is required (see note).

Required core courses (39 units):

Course Number Course Title Units
ECS 100 Child Growth and Development 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 101 Child, Family and Community 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 104 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 105 Observation and Assessment 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 106 Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 116 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 117 Teaching Strategies for Dual Language Learners 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 118 Practicum: Preschool 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 119 Practicum: Infant/Toddler 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 123 Achieving Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 125 Curriculum for School-Age Children 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 130 Exploring Teaching 3.000 - 0.000 units
or
EDUC 130 Exploring Teaching 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 132 Child Identity and Learning 3.000 - 0.000 units
or
EDUC 132 Child Identity And Learning 3.000 - 0.000 units

Plus a minimum of 3-5 units selected from the following:

Course Number Course Title Units
ECS 102 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 122 Positive Child Guidance 3.000 - 0.000 units
ECS 103 Introduction to Early Childhood 3.000 - 0.000 units
EMS 102 First Aid & Safety 3.000 - 0.000 units
ENGL 137 Children's Literature 3.000 - 0.000 units
SPAN 104 Intermediate Spanish II 5.000 - 0.000 units