Early Childhood Studies, (A.S.)

The Early Childhood Studies program at Oxnard College is designed to prepare students for the role of Teacher with responsibility of implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching strategies 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.

 Upon completing the major requirements for the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Studies, students will qualify for a teacher-level permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This permit will allow them teach under the supervision of an Early Education Program Director or Supervisor, in federally-funded programs, family-home care owner or center-based programs, intervention programs, respite care programs, private programs or non-profit agencies.

Academic Year                       Projected Degrees Awarded in A.S. in Early Childhood Studies

2021-2022                                15

2022-2023                                18

2023-2024                                20

2024-2025                                23

2025-2026                                25

This is a Career and Technical Education Associate in Science Degree program in Early Childhood Studies.  Students completing this Associate in Science Degree program are qualified for the Child Development Permit (CDP) for Teachers, offered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, authorizing them to provide service in the care and instruction of children in a childcare and development program and to supervise CDP Associate Teachers, CDP Assistants, or those qualified as an Aide. The Early Childhood Studies program at Oxnard College strives to produce competent, well-rounded preschool teacher-level graduates who communicate effectively, demonstrate professional skills, and have the training and experience to work effectively in an Early Childhood Education Program.

 This program prepares graduates for the following career opportunities: Head-Start Teacher level, Associate Teacher level, Assistant, Family Child Care, support intervention services to children with exceptionalities, respite care, and/or to become an independent childcare provider.

Required Core Courses                                                                                          Units

ECE R100        Introduction to Curriculum for the Young Child                                         3

ECE R102        Child, Growth, and Development                                                                 3

ECE R103        Programs for Young Children                                                                       3

ECE R106        Child, Family, and Community                                                                      3

ECE R107        Teaching in a Diverse Society                                                                       3

ECE R111        Observation and Assessment                                                                      3

ECE R112        Practicum in Early Childhood Education                                                     3

ECE R129        Health, Safety, and Nutrition                                                                        3

            Total Required Major Units                                                                                  24

                        Oxnard College General Education                                                            29

                        Double-Counted Units                                                                                   3

                        Free Electives Required                                                                                10

            Total Units required  for A.S. Degree                                                                  60

Proposed Sequence:                                      

Year 1, Fall = 12-15 units                                                       

Year 1, Spring = 12-15 units                                                   

Year 1, Summer = 0-6units

Year 2, Fall =12-15 units

Year 2, Spring =12-15 units

TOTAL UNITS: 60 units 

Students may begin the program either fall or spring semester. ECE R111 is meant to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd semester, and ECE R112 must be taken during the 3rd or 4th semester of the degree due to their prerequisites.