This degree provides students with knowledge, competencies and practical experiences that promotes comprehensive development of young children ages 3 to 5 years old. Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and how to create and implement a high-quality classroom for young children. The practicum component of the program will support the student as they transfer theoretical knowledge of learning to work with young children in early care and education programs. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses. This degree includes 34 units of emphasis. This degree aligns with the 24 units required for a Master Teacher level Child Development Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This degree option would also benefit students who aspire to enter the workforce in a career pathway. The degree meets Title 22 licensing requirements for employment in early care and education programs.

Program Outcome

Meets the child development course requirements of the Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level and provides enhanced employability, the holder can be employed as a Lead Teacher or as a supervising team member. It meets the needs of transitional kindergarten teachers who are required to have 24 units of child development or early childhood education in addition to their bachelor’s degree and multiple subjects teaching credential.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

1. UNIT REQUIREMENT - 60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
CDE A126	Teaching in a Diverse Society	3
CDE A127	Health, Safety, and Nutrition	3
CDE A131	Creativity for Children	3
CDE A155	Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children	3
CDE A156	Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children	2
CDE A157	Guidance for Young Children	3
CDE A165	Observing and Recording Child Behavior	3
CDE A180	Child, Growth and Development	3
CDE A190	Family, School and Community Partnerships	3
CDE A200	ECE Program - The Curriculum	3
CDE A201	Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience	3
CDE A277	Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs	2
Restricted Electives
Complete a specialization certificate listed below:		9-12
Total Units		43-46

Specialization Certificates

Child Development Administration Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Curriculum Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Elementary Education Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Infant and Toddler Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Working with Exceptional Children Specialization, Certificate of Achievement

Unit Requirements

Requirement	Units
Program Major Units	43-46
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3	Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement	Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units	60-61