Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education - Transfer Degree

Students completing this program will be able to... • Identify developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers and preschool age children. • Analyze the psychological, physical and cognitive influences on child development. • Apply the professional code of ethics. • Evaluate strategies to maximize the health, safety and nutrition of children in early childhood education programs. • Create a developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum. • Assess how socializing agents impact the lives of children and families. • Apply the principles of anti-bias pedagogy. • Apply observation and assessments to create appropriate environments. • Apply positive guidance skills with young children.

The associate in science in early childhood education for transfer is a 60 unit degree program designed to prepare students to transfer and study child development, human development, and early childhood education. Students will be prepared to take upper division courses their first semester after transferring. Typically, students who complete this program will be able to complete their upper division coursework in only two additional years. In addition to preparation for transfer, this degree also prepares students for various careers working directly with children, families and other adults in the early childhood profession. Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible to apply for the Teacher level permit on the Child Development Permit Matrix from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students will complete lower division courses in child growth and development, principles and practices in early childhood education, curriculum, observation, assessment, child/family/community relationships, diversity, health and safety, and a culminating student teaching practicum. The associate in science in early childhood education for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus.

Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn the degree, students must: • Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. • Complete the California State University-General Education pattern (CSU GE); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication. • Complete a minimum of 18 units in the major. • Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. • Earn a grade of “C“ or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSU GE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.