Early Care and Education, Associate of Science Degree

The Associate of Science degree in Early Care and Education prepares students for a range of opportunities in the child development and education fields. Emphasis is placed on current best practices and tools utilized in the field, inquiry, and reflective practice. Course work, training, and supervised practicum experiences provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the workforce and assist students in expediting the process of meeting requirements for the State of California Child Development Permits and California State Department of Social Services, Title 22, Community Care Licensing.

Award Notes

Common university majors related to the field of Child Development include: Child Development, Family and Consumer Studies and Sciences, Gerontology, Human Development, and Liberal Studies.

Course Requirements for Transfer Students: Students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university and earn a bachelor’s degree in this discipline should consult with a counselor or visit the Transfer/Career Center to determine the appropriate major preparation courses for their specific transfer institution and major. More information on transfer programs and procedures is available in the Transfer Programs section of the catalog.

(A) Enrollment Data

Annual Sections (SECT) # and Annual Enrollment (ENROLL) Total

*The college experienced limited course offering and enrollment during the pandemic.

+New course to the College.

Source: https://www.sdcity.edu/about/institutional-effectiveness/research/enrollment-dashboard.aspx

(B) Completer Projections

Based on enrollment data, the estimated completer projection of students to earn the award annually is 25 students.

Child Development offers programs for career and transfer students. Certificates of Achievement and Associate Degree are available to students interested in a range of child development opportunities and in meeting the requirements for the State of California Child Development Permits and the California State Department of Social Services, Title 22, Community Care Licensing.

The Child Development program offers course work, training and supervised practicum experiences to meet state licensing requirements for working in centers, schools, child care homes and service related agencies. The skills and knowledge gained in beginning courses provide the framework and foundation for more specialized courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the program will be able to:

● Interpret the processes of child growth and development.

● Examine practices that respect and support inclusion.

● Plan and demonstrate curriculum based on developmentally appropriate practices.

● Model ethical practices with children, families, colleagues and communities as stated in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Career Options

Some careers in child development require education beyond the associate degree and some require a graduate degree. Examples of careers in child development include: child care workers, teacher assistants, preschool teachers, teachers, associate teachers, master teachers, directors, education administrators, and site-supervisory positions.

Need

The program modification made to the Associate of Science Degree in Early Care and Education does not change the total number of awards being offered in the region. Program modifications will not contribute to an overproduction to the supply in the labor market demand as it will continue to yield the same number of graduates or completers as in previous years.

This program modification updates the program course requirements that reflect industry needs in childcare.

The Associate of Science Degree in Early Care and Education is well-established and has been serving the region and local community since its State Chancellor’s Office approval since January 1, 1970 under the original title Child Development. The Regional Consortium has recognized this award among the College’s approved programs.

●       Refer to the Regional Consortia Community College & Program Finder to find the degree is listed among the College’s 126 approved programs.

●       This award received CCCCO approval on January1, 1970 under the program title Child Development. There is currently no COCI approval letter in the creation of this award at CCCCO. However, please see that the award has been approved by the State Chancellor’s Office in the approval history at CCCCO.

○       A program modification to include the program title change to Early Childhood Education among course requirements was approved by the CCCCO on September 16, 2019. Please see the attached COCI approval letter provided in the revision to the program title. [COCI Approval Letter, CTRL# 05268, 1970-01-01]

○       A program modification to include the program title change to Early Care and Education among course requirements was approved by the CCCCO on January 4, 2021.A new COCI approval letter was provided in the revision to the program title. [COCI Approval Letter, CTRL# 05268, 2021-01-04]

Advisory Board Approval

The March 2023 San Diego City College Child Development Department Advisory Board Meeting unanimously approved of the modification to this award to include a modification to the course requirements to reflect the current industry needs.

COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:

COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF THREE (3) UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Total Units          32

General Education

In addition to the courses listed above, students must complete one of the following general education options:

● The LOCAL/DISTRICT pattern (San Diego City College Catalog 2022-2023, page 102) of General Education coursework allows students to receive an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree from San Diego City

● The IGETC pattern (San Diego City College Catalog 2022-2023,page 125) is accepted by all CSU campuses and most UC campuses and majors. It is also accepted by some private/independent or out of state universities.

● The CSU GE pattern (San Diego City College Catalog 2022-2023,page 134) is accepted by all CSU campuses and some private/independent or out of state universities. It is not accepted by the UC system.

● It is strongly recommended that students consult with a counselor to determine which general education option is most appropriate for their individual educational goals.

Summary of units required

*Some courses may be applied to both major and general education requirements (i.e. “double counting”). Units associated with those courses are subtracted in order to arrive at an accurate calculation of total units required for the degree.

**Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.