Program Description
Course work in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program combines theory and practical experience for work with young children and their families. Courses include child development, child behavior and guidance, planning early childhood learning environments, planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, and working with families. Practicum courses provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to planning and presenting curriculum, and for working with children and staff in early childhood settings. Successful completion of this program leads to an Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree. Prospective ECE students should be aware of the fact that they will have to complete a background check.
As of fall 2019, this program requires students to achieve a grade of 2.0 or above in all ECED and EDUC classes to progress through and complete the program.
Program Length: 6 Quarters
Program Code: CCMECAAS
Career Opportunities and Earnings
A variety of child care, preschool, school district, recreational, and community programs offer career opportunities in early childhood education. Also, opportunities are increasing for family support paraprofessionals in human service and mental health agencies. With additional experience, training, and education, graduates may pursue a variety of career pathways in education and administration. The demand for trained early childhood educators is increasing and should remain strong over the next several years.
- Director of childcare center
- Child care specialists
- Curriculum program managers
- Head Start/ECEAP preschool teachers/home visitors/family service advocates and school-age care staff
- Paraprofessional educators in elementary schools
- Teachers in childcare centers
- Teacher’s assistant
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes.
Program Outcomes
When this program is completed, the student will be able to:
- Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate safe, healthy learning environment for children.
- Support the growth, development and diverse individual needs of each child.
- Plan, provide and evaluate developmentally appropriate programming and curriculum to meet diverse group needs.
- Provide support to meet the diverse needs of families and build family partnerships.
- Build community partnerships and advocate for early learning and child care issues.
- Participate in on-going professional development and contribute to a professional team environment.
Special Features
- Contact program advisors for guidance on degree options.
- In addition to the 90 credit degree and the 47 credit one-year certificate, short-term certificates are also available.
- The ECE program is open entry with few prerequisite course requirements. Courses are offered online and in the evenings to accommodate working students. Most courses are open to students for personal enrichment, elective, and continuing education credit.
- ECE students may begin the program during any quarter and enroll part-time or full-time.
- The on-campus childcare center serves as the primary ECE laboratories for students. Lab experiences may also be arranged at the students local School Districts or approved childcare center.
- All courses have an online component.
- Students can continue their academic studies at Peninsula College in the Bachelor of Applied Management degree (BAS). Please contact the BAS advisor for additional prerequisite requirements at BAS@pencol.edu.
Program Prerequisites
College-level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English and math courses required in this program. Students entering this program should have good computer and typing skills. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework. The placement test will help determine placement level if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level.
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $500
- TB Test: $75
- Background Check: $55-100
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AAS-T. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
First Quarter (Fall)
Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals in action. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 5
Introduces basic concepts of equitable health, safety, and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care and education programs. Requirements as outlined in Chare Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) and state licensing standards for child care providers will be covered including the knowledge and skills to ensure appropriate health, nutritional, and safety practices. In addition, the course will emphasize the skills necessary to recognize signs of child maltreatment, the educator’s role as a mandated reporter and the process of identifying and referring families to available community resources. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 5
This course will provide students an opportunity to focus on, develop and apply best practice for engaging in nurturing, supportive relationships with children, families, and professional peers in an early learning setting. Students will apply and additional focus of children’s health and safety while promoting growth and development to relationship building with children and families. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 2
Second Quarter (Winter)
Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 3
Build a functional understanding of the foundation of child development from conception through early adolescence in all domains of development as seen through various developmental theories. The impact of culture, race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, family status, and exceptionalities on overall development will be examined as well as current research regarding brain development. Methods of observing and documenting developmental growth will be examined. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved. (Formerly EDUC& 114, Elective)
Credits: 5
Examine the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children and creating safe learning environments. Develop skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 3
Third Quarter (Spring)
Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This class may include students from multiple sections. STARS approved.
Credits: 3
Integrate the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explore cultures and demographics of families in society, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)
Credits: 5
Fourth Quarter (Fall)
Reading and writing using analytical and critical approaches. One or more research papers. Builds on concepts introduced in ENGL& 101. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)
Credits: 5
Fifth Quarter (Winter)
Introduction to science of behavior. Emphasis on biological foundations of behavior, cognition, learning, intelligence, motivation, memory, personality, and psychological disorders. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)
Credits: 5
Sixth Quarter (Spring)
Explore fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and work to eliminate structural inequalities that limit equitable learning opportunities. Examine teaching practices that use inclusive teaching approaches, demonstrate respect for diversity and value all children's strengths. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 3
Take any course 100 level or above.
MATH 106 is offered every other Winter (even year) and MATH 108 is offered every other Spring (even year). If MATH 106 or MATH 108 are not offered the quarter you need, take the required ECED course listed and plan to take MATH 106 or MATH 108 the following year.
Students planning to transfer to a School of Education should take MATH 106 and MATH 108. Students should work with the Early Childhood Education Program Advisor.
Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:
- The quarter you begin
- How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
- Your math and English placement; Learn more about placement options by visiting the Assessment and Placement website.
- If you start in our Transitional Studies program