Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education Program provides an educational and practical foundation for students interested in working with children from infancy to third grade. In addition to theoretical principles the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in the field of Early Childhood Education. As students progress through the program they fulfill required coursework for the California Child Development Permit and for the Early Childhood Education/Assistant Certificate (6 units), Early Childhood Education, 12 Core Units Certificate (12 units), and the Early Childhood Education Certificate (31 units).

Completion of the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Early CHildhood Education will also prepare you to meet minimum lower division admission requirements (60 transferable units) for transfer to a California State University (CSU). The Early Childhood Education program map below includes all of your major coursework and recommended general education courses by term that is needed to fulfill your degree and transfer requirements. 

Early Childhood Education - ADT (CSU and UC)

0-15 units
Fall/Spring Units
English 1A/ 1AH 4
Math 11, 12/ 12H or 25 or Psychology 48 or Sociology 48 3-4
Early Childhood Studies 20 3
Early Childhood Studies 28 3
Intersession (Winter/Summer) Units
Early Childhood Studies 24 3
16-30 units
Fall/spring Units
Geography 1/ 1L or Geology 1/ 1L 4
Communication Studies 2 or 3 or English 1B/ 1BH
(IGETC take English 1B/ 1BH)
4
Early Childhood Studies 19  3
Early Childhood Studies 42 3
Intersession (Winter/Summer) Units
Early Childhood Studies 25 3
History 6 or 7  
31-45 units
Fall/spring Units
Anthropology 1/ 1H  3
Ethnic Studies 1 or 3 or 7 or 8
(IGETC take History 14 or 15 or 44)
3
Early Childhood Studies 26 3
Communication Studies 1/ 1H or 6 or 9/ 9H 3
Intersession (Winter/Summer) Units
American Sign Language 1 or Spanish 1 3
45-60+ units
Fall/spring Units
Political Science 1/ 1H or Political Science 21 3
Art 6/ 6H or Dance 6 or Music 89 3
Early Childhood Studies 30 3
If following IGETC will need English 30 or Communication Studies 12 or History 1

For alternative CSU/UC General Education options refer to the RCC Catalog, under Requirements for College Transfer.

Milestones

Milestones are courses, co-curricular activities and recommendations from your Student Success Team that will keep you on track towards completion of your degree. Check off your milestones as you complete them.
  • Complete English 1A (transfer-level English)
  • Complete Math 11, 12 or 25 (transfer-level math)
  • Complete 12 units of ECE core courses
  • Apply to Universities (CSU/UC application period Oct 1-Nov 30)
  • Apply for ADT degree by beginning of spring term before transfer
  • Complete RCC Graduation application (during your last term)
  • Meet with your Counselor to Complete your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (SEP)
  • Complete FAFSA (Oct 1st - Mar 2nd for priority)
  • Meet with Faculty Advisor for career/research opportunities
  • Meet with your Counselor to update SEP (every semester)
  • Meet with your Counselor for pre-graduation check
  • Research Potential Clubs on Campus
  • Participate in tutoring, student success workshops or supplemental instruction
  • Visit the Career Center for Internship opportunities
  • Research transfer institutions
  • Attend Transfer workshops and Transfer Fair
  • Participate in an internship/ job shadowing
  • Participate in a research activity (meet with Faculty Advisor)

Careers for Early Childhood Education Majors

Salaries Range : $13.18 - 42.77/hour

  • Teacher Assistants 
  • Special Education Paraprofessional 
  • Preschool Teacher