Early Childhood Education
About the Program
San José City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) and various Certificates of Achievement in Early Childhood Education. Our Graduates of the Associate in Science Degree Program qualify through academic preparation and field experience for work in child centers, pre-schools, day care facilities, infant and toddler centers and other programs serving young children. They are able to use instructional techniques, which promote intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in children. After completing the Associate in Science degree, students will be eligible for the Teacher Level of the State of California Children’s Center Permit, and qualify for employment as teachers in government and privately funded early care and education programs. In addition to working in childcare related facilities, the AS-T in Early Childhood Education also provides a foundation for students pursuing baccalaureate study in early care and education; child psychology; children, youth, and family services; child advocacy; social work and other social sciences. A grade of “C” or better is required in all ECE major, certificate and major elective courses.
Career Options1
- Child Care Assistant
- Child Care Associate Teacher
- Child Care Teacher
- Child Care Master Teacher
- Infant-Toddler Specialist
- Children’s Center Teacher
- Family Child Care Provider
- Early Care Setting Program Director/Administrator
- 1
Some career options may require a two or four year degree
Certificates/Degrees
- Certificate of Achievement: Associate Teacher – Level 1
- Certificate of Achievement: Teacher – Level 2
- Certificate of Achievement: Master Teacher – Level 3
- Certificate of Achievement: Inclusion Specialist – Level 2
- A.S. Degree
- A.S.-T Degree
Child Development Permit Track - Certificates of Achievement
The three teacher focused certificates are aligned with the Child Development Permit (CDP) Matrix created by the California Department of Education. Per California Department of Education and Department of Justice, students will need to have TB clearance and fingerprinting to complete Certificate of Achievement – Level 2 and Level 3. Students planning to transfer to a 4-year university should follow the AS-T degree.
Students interested in pursuing the Child Development Program Director permit should meet with SJCC’s ECE Program Coordinator for more information regarding requirements.
For additional information, see a counselor, visit the Career/Transfer Center, or contact the following:
| Name/Office | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Sciences Division | (408) 288-3785 |
Associate Degrees
- Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science
- Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science for Transfer
Certificates
- Early Childhood Education - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
- Early Childhood Education - Associate Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 1
- Early Childhood Education - Inclusion Specialist - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
- Early Childhood Education - Master Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 3
- Early Childhood Education - Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
ECE 016 Storytelling for Children 2 Units
Students will learn to use developmentally appropriate techniques for storytelling to engage children in active learning. Students will also learn to use storytelling as a means to integrate, reinforce, and extend curriculum. They will actively develop as storytellers, building their presentation techniques and their repertoire of stories for different purposes and different age groups of children. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 017 Literacy Development in Children 2 Units
Students will study literacy development among children from ages birth to 8 years. They will study topics including the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The students will examine the social contexts of language learning, early literacy and assessment, and the design of curriculum and classroom environment that support literacy development. Off-campus observations/field trips will be required. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Recommended: Successful completion of ECE 105
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 018 Children's Literature 2 Units
Students will explore literature for children from birth to 8 years. Topics addressed include history of children's literature, contemporary genres, books and early literacy. The course will also examine diversity as reflected in literature. They will also gain skills in the selection and evaluation of the literature. Students will plan appropriate activities and integrate children's literature into early childhood curriculum. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Recommended: Successful completion of ECE 105
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 020 Observation and Assessment Methods in ECE 3 Units
Students will learn the appropriate use of formal and informal observation tools, case study portfolios, recording, and rating systems. The use of multiple assessment and observation strategies, in various early childhood settings, will be covered. Emphasis will be on use of assessment strategies that inform and provide for developmentally appropriate curriculum. To ensure accurate observations and assessments, the importance of collaboration between teacher, families, and other professionals will be examined. (C-ID ECE 200)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 and ECE 102 and ECE 108; all with a C or better. ECE 108 may be taken concurrently.
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 098 Directed Studies in Early Childhood Education 0.5-9 Units
Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the numbers of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 2.07 Repeatable: Yes Grading: O
Prerequisite: Completion of the following course(s) and project approval is required by sponsoring faculty, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs: FCS 070
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 100 Early Childhood Education Overview 1 Unit
Students are introduced to the field of early childhood education. They will learn about the stages of child development and the factors that influence it. They will explore curriculum for children from infancy to five years of age. This course will prepare students interested in early childhood education as a career.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Open Curriculum: No prerequisite, corequisite or levels
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 101 Introduction to Curriculum 3 Units
Students will explore the major content areas in early childhood curriculum (birth to age 6) and plan, present, and evaluate activities in early childhood classrooms. This course provides developmentally appropriate teaching strategies based on observation and assessments across the curriculum, including: academic content areas; play, art, and creativity; and development of social-emotional, communication, and cognitive skills. Students will analyze their teaching experiences and utilize this knowledge to inform and improve skills in working with children. Off-site observations may be required. (C-ID ECE 130)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 with a C or better
Recommended: ECE 102 and ECE 107
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 101B Practicum in Early Childhood Education 3 Units
Students explore connections between theory and practice using child-centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, and knowledge of the major content areas in the early childhood curriculum. Planning, implementing, and evaluating experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children will be emphasized. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under the quality supervision of an ECE/CD (Early Childhood Education/Child Development) faculty and other qualified early education professionals. This course requires off-campus attendance at early childhood sites. (C-ID ECE 210)
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 6 Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 and ECE 101 and ECE 102 and ECE 107; all with C or better, TB clearance, and fingerprinting clearance as required by California Department of Justice.
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 102 Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children 3 Units
Students will examine the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs, environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development for all young children. 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 as well as school environment experiences. Off-site observations will be required. (C-ID ECE 120)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 with C or better
Recommended: Completion of ECE 107
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 104 Art and Creativity for Children 3 Units
Students are introduced to the value of visual arts and creative activities in the classroom and how they support positive brain development in young children. Students will demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for creating art experiences for children. Students will learn to plan and present creative and problem-solving experiences for children.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 105 Language Development for Young Children 3 Units
Students are introduced to language development during early childhood years and also among dual language learners. The topics include stages of language development, theories of language acquisition, and the roles of parents and educators in promoting language related activities. Students will learn to plan, prepare, and present a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to stimulate language development and usage. Children's books, poetry, storytelling, games, charts, puppetry, flannel boards, and the use of computer-based technology will be introduced. Students also learn to create materials appropriate for children with special needs and learning disabilities.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Recommended: Completion of ECE 102
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 106 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs I 3 Units
Students are introduced to the principles and practices of administration and supervision of early childhood education programs. The course covers program goals and philosophies, the roles and responsibilities of program directors, professionalism, licensing requirements and other regulations, program organization and planning, budgeting, staffing, and working with parents and the community.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 107 with a C or better
Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses, FCS 070 and ECE 101
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 107 Child, Family and Community 3 Units
Students will examine the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community; emphasis will be on historical and social factors. Patterns of development, child-rearing, and the value of education in contemporary American society will be discussed. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted. Community resources that foster the positive development of the child in the context of the family will be identified. This course meets licensing and permitting requirements for early education settings. (C-ID CDEV 110)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Recommended: FCS 070
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
ECE 108 Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Child Care 3 Units
Students will be introduced to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and curriculum related to child health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. The course includes topics on germs and illnesses, daily health inspection skills, health practices, nutrition, food safety, chronic illness, and disaster planning, and integrating these concepts into everyday planning and program development. This course is required for a child care certificate and AS degree in Early Childhood Education. (C-ID ECE 220)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 109 Music, Movement, and Rhythm Activities for Children 3 Units
Students are introduced to designing music, movement, and rhythm activities for children. They will focus on the predominant theories of movement and music education and will create developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant curriculum. Students will learn to evaluate a wide variety of music, movement, and rhythm activities as they gain skills in planning and presenting these activities to children.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 110 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs II 3 Units
Students will advance their studies of the administration and supervision of early childhood education programs focusing on program quality, reflective practices, marketing, team building and communication, working with staff and parents of diverse backgrounds and advocacy. Course meets the California State requirement for site supervisor and program director permits.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 106 with C or better
Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses in FCS 070, ECE 101, ECE 102, and ECE 107.
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 121 Family Child Care Series: Working With Families 1 Unit
Students will learn different strategies to work with families in their family child care center. The focus will be on understanding families, communication, creating partnership with the families and connecting families to the resources available in the community.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: O
Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 122 Family Child Care Series: Understanding The Child 1 Unit
This course provides students with a brief introduction to typical ages and stages in child development. Physical, cognitive and social milestones and behaviors will be observed for each developmental stage. Students will learn to design environments suitable for multi-age group of children. The observation of children is required.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: O
Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 123 Health and Safety Practices in the Family Child Care Home 1 Unit
Students will be introduced to the regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to child health, safety, and nutrition in family child care homes.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: O
Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 124 Family Child Care Series: The Challenging Child 1 Unit
Students will be introduced to guidance and discipline strategies appropriate for use in family child care homes. A variety of guidance or prevention techniques, as well as, appropriate discipline techniques will be identified and discussed.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: O
Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NAA
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 142 Supervising Adults-The Mentor Teacher 2 Units
Students will examine the methods and principles of supervising student teachers in early childhood classrooms. They study the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Students are required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 102 and FCS 070 with a C or better
Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses in Child Development, Child Family and Community and Programs/Curriculum.
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 145 The Child With Special Needs 3 Units
Students will be introduced to the development of children with special needs from birth to school age. They will examine how families are affected by their children with special needs. The course gives an overview of laws relating to children with special needs and theories of early intervention in the inclusive classroom.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 with C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 146 Child Guidance and Discipline 2 Units
Students study how to manage the behavior of children using a variety of communication, guidance, and discipline strategies. Students will learn to distinguish between typical developmentally appropriate behaviors, and atypical behaviors that jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of self and others. Students will also learn to support children in the development of self-regulation skills.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 147 Teaching Young Children in a Diverse Society 3 Units
Students will identify the principles and practices of implementing an Anti-Bias Curriculum (ABC) for children. Emphasis will be placed on culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches as they impact the work with young children and their families in early education programs. Students will reflect on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, bias, prejudices, and media influence. This course promotes equity and a deeper understanding of how to best support children as they gain a sense of identity and become confident members of our complex and diverse society. (C-ID ECE 230)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 107 with a C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 149 Inclusion of Children With Special Needs 3 Units
Students learn curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs. The topics include; designing inclusive environments, partnering with families, learning how to conduct observations and assessments from birth to school age, and preparing an education plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 145 with C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 150 Practicum Experience in an Inclusive Classroom 3 Units
Students will participate in supervised internships as assistants in early intervention or inclusion settings with children with special needs from birth through eight years. They will adapt curriculum, design natural environments, identify and assess special needs, and create individualized educational plans.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 6 Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: ECE 149 with a C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 155 Designing Curriculum in Family Child Care Settings 1 Unit
Students will learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in family child care settings. The focus will be on designing an inclusive curriculum for multi-age groups and children with different abilities.
Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 191 Infant Toddler Development 3 Units
Students learn current theory and research and developmentally appropriate practices, interactions, and environments for infants and toddlers in group care. Students will be introduced to theories and research regarding infant and toddler development, essential policies, and principles. They will learn to create environments that offer developmentally appropriate challenges for infants and toddlers. They will also examine how to develop meaningful connections between infant and toddler programs and their families. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 192 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers 3 Units
Students gain knowledge of different principles and practices to care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. They will examine policies and regulations that lead to quality care for infants and toddlers. They will learn to observe and assess infants and toddlers for their development, and design developmentally appropriate curriculum for them. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: FCS 070 with C or better
Recommended: ECE 191
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 195 The School Age Child: Development, Behavior, Curriculum 3 Units
Students will study the physical, cognitive, social, and psychological development of children ages five through twelve years. This course focuses on how to plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and includes conflict management, children with special needs, and community resources. Students will learn how to observe children in a classroom setting and will be assigned to an off-site elementary school to complete observation assignments.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
ECE 500 Introduction to ECE Field 0 Units
This course is presented in a workshop format for parents, students, and professional development for early childhood educators. Introduces various topics in the field of early childhood education, like development of children, curriculum, discipline, and health and safety. Completion of this class helps prepare students for credit classes in Early Childhood Education.
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: Yes Grading: N
Open Curriculum: No prerequisite, corequisite or levels.
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NC
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None