Early Care and Education Courses

ECE 15 - Abnormal Child Psychology

3 units

An exploration of the emotional, cognitive, developmental, and behavioral problems of childhood and adolescence. Topics include: common stresses and problems of adjustment; the effects of stress, abuse, and traumas on development; intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities; normal and abnormal problems of attention, conduct, mood, anxiety, sleep, eating, sex, learning and speech. Examination of the causes of mental health problems in children and adolescents and approaches to treatment. Students who have completed or are enrolled in PSYC 15 may not receive credit. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D7, D8; IGETC: 4G, 4I.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

ECE 29 - Independent Study, Early Care and Education

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

ECE 40 - Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

3 units

This course will focus on the healthy social and emotional development of young children ages 0-8, as the foundation for early learning. Students will identify the role of the teacher in establishing learning environments that promote the healthy social and emotional development of young children, the underlying basis for quality teacher-child interactions. Strongly Recommended: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C, ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 42 - Early Childhood Math and Science

3 units

An examination of the constructivist approach to teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to young children; emphasizing application to everyday experiences of children. Prerequisite: ECE 63 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 50 - Early Childhood Principles and Practices

3 units

Historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education. Examines the role of the early childhood educator, identification of best practices for environmental design, curriculum, and teaching strategies. Explores constructive teacher-child interactions and relationships, the role of the family in education, culture and inclusion, professional ethics, career pathways and professional standards. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU; C-ID# ECE 120.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 54 - Child Health, Safety and Nutrition

3 units

This course covers aspects of nutrition, health, and safety that promote and maintain the health and well-being of all children and adults who work with young children. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines; maintaining safe and healthy learning environments; state regulations, policies, and procedures; common childhood illnesses and infectious diseases; school-family collaboration; and emergency preparedness, first aid, and injury prevention. 54 hours lecture.

• AA GE. Transfer: CSU; CSU GE: E; C-ID# ECE 220.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 56 - Child Growth and Development

3 units

A study of 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 maturational 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. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D7, E; IGETC: 4G; C-ID# CDEV 100.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 60 - Introduction to the Young Child with Exceptional Needs

3 units

Introduces the variations in development of infants and children with exceptional needs and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with exceptional needs and the identification and referral process. Assessments, interventions and learning environments for infants and children with exceptional needs. Prerequisite: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 61 - Literature for the Young Child

3 units

An introduction to young children’s literature, the development of speech and language and the exploration of teaching techniques which promote language, literacy and literature for the young child. Selection, evaluation and use of fiction, non-fiction, prose and poetry from existing written and/or recorded children's literature in the early childhood classroom. Approaches to reading books, storytelling, story writing, and use of puppets, flannel boards and props to facilitate children's language and appreciation of literature. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU; CSU GE: C2.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 62 - Child, Family and Community

3 units

The processes of socialization and identity development, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D7; C-ID# CDEV 110.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 63 - Early Childhood Curriculum

4 units

This course offers students the opportunity for professional application of the principles of child growth and development in the study of play based, inclusive curriculum within the physical environment of the infant, toddler and preschool classrooms. The learning experiences will include program content pertaining to the use of materials, the facilitation and guidance of all children's experiences based on what is culturally and developmentally appropriate for children; utilizing best practices in meeting the children's physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creative needs. Prerequisite: ECE 50 with a minimum grade of C, ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 64 - Play: Materials and Environments

3 units

Application of principles of human growth and development in the consideration of play materials and environments for children birth through early elementary. The selection and development of play materials and environments that are developmentally, culturally, and age-appropriate. Prerequisite: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C, ECE 50 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

Transfer: CSU.

Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 65 - Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education

3 units

Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program: Relationships with families, and community. Prerequisite: ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C, ECE 63 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 67 - Infant and Toddler Development and Caregiving

3 units

A study of infants and toddlers from preconception to 36 months including physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Examination of best practices, responsive caregiving techniques, environments, infant/toddler learning foundations, health, safety, and licensing requirements. Prerequisite: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 68 - Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education

3 units

Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. Prerequisites: ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C, ECE 63 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 69 - Child Study: Observation and Assessment

3 units

This course focuses on the use of appropriate methods of assessment to document development, growth, play and learning in early childhood education settings. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to apply a variety of methods to measure child progress, curriculum requirements, and program effectiveness. Methods include child portfolios, recording strategies, rating systems, and other tools that build on respecting and fostering all children's competence and meeting their individual needs. Prerequisite: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU; C-ID# ECE 200.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 74 - Child Guidance

2 units

This course introduces practical principles and techniques for developmentally and culturally appropriate guidance. Emphasis is on encouraging self-esteem and cultural awareness, effective communication skills, and direct and indirect guidance techniques and strategies. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate strategies which encourage positive social interactions, promote conflict resolution and develop self-control, self-motivation and self-esteem in children. 36 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 78 - Language Development

3 units

Review of language acquisition theories and emergent literacy in both monolingual and young English language learners. Includes oral and written language development, developmental stages of receptive and expressive language, print awareness, phonemic awareness and early reading and writing development. Examination of family patterns, cultural values, and environmental circumstances that affect language development and communication styles. Includes assessment and early identification of linguistic delays. Prerequisite: ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 79 - Teaching in a Diverse Society

3 units

Examines the impact of various societal influences such as privilege, oppression, bias, and discrimination on the development of children's social and personal identity. Self-examination and reflection on values, beliefs and attitudes related to social identity, stereotypes, conscious and unconscious bias will be emphasized. Recognize and confront barriers that interfere with one's ability to work effectively with diverse populations of children and families. Enhance teacher skills for educating children in a pluralistic society. The class will focus heavily on anti-bias approaches to teaching, curriculum and family partnerships. Strongly Recommended: ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D3, D7; C-ID# ECE 230.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 83 - Adult Mentoring and Supervision

2 units

Methods and principles of mentoring and supervising adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis on the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors and leaders to new teachers and other adults while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, families and other staff . Also, a focus on self-reflection and "soft skills set obtainment" emphasized. Prerequisite: ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C and ECE 63 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 87 - Quality Environments for Infants and Toddlers

3 units

Applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group care. Examines essential policies, classroom environments, caregiving principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants and toddlers which is culturally sensitive and supports families. Strongly Recommended: ECE 67 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 90 - Practicum - Supervised Experience

4 units

Practicum experience working with young children under the supervision of an ECE/CD faculty; Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build 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. Prerequisite: ECE 50 with a minimum grade of C and ECE 56 with a minimum grade of C and ECE 62 with a minimum grade of C and ECE 63 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 91 - Adaptive Curriculum for Children with Exceptional Needs

3 units

Provides direct experience working with young children in special day classes or inclusive settings. Application of intervention strategies using best practices of early childhood development and special education in adapting curriculum to meet the individual needs of children. Observation of the assessment process by the special education team and assisting in the implementation of the educational plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working in partnership with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and cultural competence. Lab hours required in an inclusive setting. Prerequisite: ECE 60 with a minimum grade of C and ECE 90 with a minimum grade of C. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 95 - Work Experience

1 - 3 units

Cooperative effort between, student, supervisor and instructor to accomplish professional work objectives and broaden experiences. On-the-job work experience to build early childhood competencies. Corequisite: ECE 96. 75-225 hours paid work experience.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

ECE 96 - Work Experience Seminar

1 unit

Discussion and analysis of typical problems often encountered by employees at the workplace. Application of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct to difficult situations that occur at the job site. Develop and complete measurable developmentally appropriate goals in early care and education settings. Corequisite: ECE 95. 18 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR