The Early Childhood Education program leads to an Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement, an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education degree, and an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in Early Childhood Education) degree, as well as course work required by the State of California Department of Education for the Child Development Permit Matrix.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Use fundamental child development theories and principles, encompassing children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development including contexts that influence children to plan for all children's developmental needs from both an individualized and group perspective.
• Identify, develop, and implement developmentally appropriate teaching practices and curriculum in the areas of math, science, creative art, small motor development, language/literature/literacy, social studies, large motor development, music/movement, health/safety/nutrition, creativity, and problem-solving skills, including healthy, safe, inclusive environments that positively guide and enhance children's development, including dual-language learners and children with special needs.
• Develop positive, supportive relationships with children in order to plan for groups and individual children using a relational, play-based collaborative approach including knowledge and strategies of honoring and working with diverse children, families and communities.
• Identify and implement observation, documentation, and other developmentally appropriate assessment strategies (including the use of technology), in collaboration with families and community resources, to plan for children's interests, developmental needs, and strengthen teacher's work with children and families.
• Develop reflective habits and grow as an Early Childhood professional by understanding the complexities, ethical responsibilities, and professional role as a teacher and advocate for young children, their families, and the early childhood profession.

Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements

The following identifies the courses needed for the California Child Development Permit Matrix Requirements for all Early Childhood Teachers working in state licensed and state funded early childhood programs in California.

California Child Development Permit Matrix Requirements:

• Aide requires any 6 units of Early Childhood Education.
• Assistant requires any 6 units of Early Childhood Education.
• Associate Teacher requires 12 Early Childhood Education units including core ECED 1, ECED 55 and any combination of ECED 2, ECED 51, ECED 52, ECED 55, ECED 56, ECED 61, ECED 62A, ECED 62B, ECED 63A, ECED 63B, ECED 71A, ECED 71B, ECED 72, ECED 74, ECED 80, ECED 81, ECED 82, ECED 83, ECED 84 plus work experience guidelines set by CDE.
• Teacher requires 24 Early Childhood Education units including core ECED 1, ECED 55 and any combination of ECED 2, ECED 51, ECED 52, ECED 55, ECED 56, ECED 61, ECED 62A, ECED 62B, ECED 63A, ECED 63B, ECED 71A, ECED 71B, ECED 72, ECED 74, ECED 80, ECED 81, ECED 82, ECED 83, ECED 84, and 16 General Education units with at least one degree-applicable course in English/Language Arts, Math/Science, Social Science, and Humanities/Fine Arts.
• Master Teacher requires all that is required for the Teacher level plus ECED 72, 16 General Education units with at least one degree-applicable course in English/Language Arts, Math/Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities/Fine Arts, and six units from one of the following specializations plus work experience guidelines set by California Department of Education.
• Site Supervisor requires an AS with 24 Early Childhood Education units including core ECED 1, ECED 55, ECED 71A, ECED 71B, ECED 72 plus work experience guidelines set by CDE.
• Program Director requires a BA with all of the requirements of Site Supervisor level, plus work experience guidelines set by CDE.

Note: Licensing requires ECED 62 Infant-Toddler Care for teachers and directors who supervise infants or toddlers.

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

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Recommended: Enroll in two electives in the same specialization to meet the 6 unit Child Development Permit specialization requirement. Administration is not an accepted specialization.

MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.

All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.

Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.