About the Program
The field of early care and education is a dynamic and growing area of study for students who seek to work with young children up to age eight. Students who earn an AS degree in Early Childhood Education will play a pivotal role in the lives of children, families and their local community. All students who complete this degree will achieve competency in promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, implementing developmentally appropriate curricula while learning about child assessment systems, teaching in a diverse society, and becoming lifelong learners.
Career opportunities in the early childhood education and child development fields are many and varied. Programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children and their parents continue to increase in number. Potential careers include: early childhood teacher/administrator, child care provider, playground program specialist, social worker, consultant, play therapist/activity specialist or teacher for hospitalized children, elementary school teacher, designer of children's products, legislative analyst/aide, and human services lobbyist. Opportunities are dependent upon the amount of education and experience acquired.
State of California Community Care Licensing requires that all teachers working with young children have a minimum of 12 semester units of coursework in Early Childhood Education. Six of the 12 units must include three units in Child Growth and Development (CDF 14) and three units in Child, Family and Community (CDF 12).
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2023-2024Program Code: 01349.00AS
Type: Career
General Education: Butte Local
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Synthesize research-based theories including principles and practices of child development and learning.
Incorporate strategies for building respectful, reciprocal family and community relationships in order to engage society in the development and learning of children.
Exhibit the ability to use an assessment system encompassing a variety of strategies that provide information about program effectiveness and children's development, learning, interests, strengths and needs.
Apply principles of child development and positive guidance for planning inclusive, culturally relevant and appropriate curriculum and learning environments while integrating all developmental domains.
Identify and conduct themselves as Early Childhood professionals and commit to using the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct and other professional standards while engaging in reflective practices as collaborative learners.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an examination of the socialization of the developing child in today's society, emphasizing the important influences of family, community, school, and historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families. (C-ID CDEV 110).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU/UC
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course examines 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 developmental 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. (C-ID CDEV 100).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: CDF 12 and CDF 14
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course introduces the variations in development of children with special needs birth through eight, and the resulting impact on families. It also includes an overview of the historical and societal influences on the laws, identification and referral process relating to children with special needs. Observations in public or private children's centers, schools, and agencies are required.
Prerequisite(s): CDF 14
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
42.50 hours Lecture
/ 25.50 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 68.00
This course focuses on the appropriate use of observation and assessment strategies to document development, growth and play while learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Multiple observational formats and assessment tools and methods are explored. This course includes 25.5 hours of lab observing children in an approved (Butte College or Mentor) early childhood program. (C-ID ECE 200).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course teaches students guidance methods and techniques that are effective in the home, classroom and other group settings. Students will learn positive guidance techniques to promote socially responsible behavior and healthy emotional development in children from birth to eight years of age.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and 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. Early Childhood Education career opportunities and preparation will be examined. 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. (C-ID ECE 120).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is a study of infants and toddlers from prenatal to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional growth and development. Throughout the class, students will apply theoretical frameworks to interpret behaviors and interactions between heredity and environment while emphasizing the role of family and relationships in development.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course examines 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 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. (C-ID ECE 230).
Prerequisite(s): CDF 14
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
42.50 hours Lecture
/ 25.50 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 68.00
This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age eight years. Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment. An overview of learning domains includes: language, social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative. The course will provide the student the opportunity to develop, prepare, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum for young children. This course includes 25.5 hours of lab in an approved (Butte College or Mentor) program. (C-ID ECE 130).
Prerequisite(s): CDF 40, CDF 63
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: CDF 12 and CDF 44 and CDF 57
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 51.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This capstone course is a demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning and assessment and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. This course includes fifty-one hours of participation with young children in an approved early childhood (Butte College or Mentor) program. (C-ID ECE 210).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV; Math Level I
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures and early childhood curriculum related to child health, safety and nutrition. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health and safety for both children and staff will be identified along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. This course will focus on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development for all children. (C-ID ECE 220).
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focus is on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Topics include the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: CDF 84 and CDF 85 and Reading Level V; English Level V; Math Level I
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 34.00
This course examines methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course provides the opportunity for students to explore issues of cultural diversity, examine curricular approaches to anti-bias education, and integrate these elements into the development of comprehensive children's programs. This course also provides the opportunity to explore factors leading to culturally responsive child care and education.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
Applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. Examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to thirty six months.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV; Math Level III CDF 48 & 80
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course is an introduction to the administration of early childhood programs, including program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. The course will examine administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. This course partially meets the administrative units required by the State of California to meet licensing requirements and administrative units for the Child Development Permit.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: CDF 84 &, Reading Level V; English Level IV; Math Level II
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course provides effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Topics include legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course partially meets the administrative units required by the State of California to meet licensing requirements and administrative units for the Child Development Permit.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course applies child development research to inform best parenting practices. Students will learn about social and cultural trends of parental practices including the usage of community resources. Topics covered include parenting styles, education, physical/social-emotional and sexual abuse, substance abuse, youth culture, media impact and parenting a special needs child.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Cooperative Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor
Unit(s): 1.00
- 8.00
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 0.00
Career Work Experience (CWE) is a course that gives students the opportunity to earn both a grade and units for what they learn on the job related to their vocational major while gaining practical work experience. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every sixty hours of unpaid work experience (60-480 hours unpaid) or seventy-five hours of paid work experience (75-600 hours paid). Students may earn a maximum of sixteen units for all types of Work Experience.
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: Reading Level V; English Level IV
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
51.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 51.00
This course examines the roles and responsibilities of professionals collaborating with families. An emphasis is placed on current trends and issues with families parenting children between the ages of 0 to 13 years of age. Topics include family growth and development, family structures, challenges confronting the contemporary family, and strategies to strengthen families.
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Contacts
Terri Hutton, Chair
(530) 895-2855
Department Office: AHPS 251
(530) 895-2542
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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