Early Childhood Studies: General - Certificate of Achievement

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.

The processes of socialization 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, birth through adolescence.

This course introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. All students enrolled in ECS 105 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and may need immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must present valid health records the first day of class to remain enrolled in the course.  For questions, please contact the instructor of record.

ECS 103 course is a comprehensive introduction to the early childhood studies academic program.  This course explores the educational pathways for working with children and families from birth to 8 years of age.  The course takes an in-depth look at careers and associated competencies; workforce requirements such as required courses, certifications, and professional development; and personal and professional characteristics required in the field of early childhood care and education.

The course studies developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor classroom settings. Several assignments will require students to complete children in an approved licensed childcare facility. Students must have completed successfully ECS 105 with a grade of C or better. All students enrolled in ECS 105, ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles to meet the provisions of SB 792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information, contact the department.

Examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences serving children and families birth to 8 years of age. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.

This course requires students to demonstrate the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of instructional faculty and other qualified early education professionals. 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. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.This course requires 85 hours of supervised practicum teaching in the preschool area of the Allan Hancock College Children's Center lab school and coaching sessions with the instructor. The 85 lab hours per term, to be arranged, will average about 5 weekly hours for semester length classes, or 12 weekly hours for shorter terms. The accompanying lecture focuses on teaching goals and strategies, reflections, insights, accomplishments and challenges specific to working with preschool age children.  No concurrent enrollment is allowed in ECS 118 and ECS 119. Effective August 22nd, 2016 all students enrolled in ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information contact the department at extension 3401 or 3436.

This course examines laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.

This course requires students to demonstrate the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of instructional faculty and other qualified early education professionals. 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. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.This course requires 85 hours of supervised practicum teaching in the preschool area of the Allan Hancock College Children's Center lab school and coaching sessions with the instructor. The 85 lab hours per term, to be arranged, will average about 5 weekly hours for semester length classes, or 12 weekly hours for shorter terms. The accompanying lecture focuses on teaching goals and strategies, reflections, insights, accomplishments and challenges specific to working with preschool age children.  No concurrent enrollment is allowed in ECS 118 and ECS 119. Effective August 22nd, 2016 all students enrolled in ECS 106, ECS 118 or ECS 119 must show proof of their current tuberculosis (TB) clearance and immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles to meet the provisions of SB792. Students must be on the waitlist and provide required documentation on the first day of class in order to receive an add code to add the class. For more information contact the department at extension 3401 or 3436.