EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

DESCRIPTION OF DEGREE

An early childhood professional dramatically shapes and influences the lives of children. Early childhood educators are capable of teaching skills using a variety of instructional methods. They are flexible, and enjoy an autonomous work environment. Above all, professionals in the field of early childhood education must have a true love of young people.

The Early Childhood Education major provides the foundation for working with young children and their families in early childhood education settings such as child care, preschool, Head Start/related federal or state funded programs, and other settings where children receive primary care and education.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects favorable growth in the Early Childhood Education field over the next ten years.

SDSU is approved to offer the Birth to Preschool (birth to age 5) teaching endorsement.  The endorsement can be added to an elementary education or elementary special education teaching certificate.  The 20 credit endorsement includes:  ECE 227, 371/L, 351/L, 352/L, 364, 470. 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS  

Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5 Specialization) 

Available at University Center

CSC 105 Introduction to Computers

ECE 150-150L Early Experience and Lab

ECE 227 Human Development and Personality I: Childhood

ENGL 101 Composition I

FCS 101 Family and Consumer Sciences: Professional Foundations

HDFS 210 Lifespan Development

PSYC 101 General Psychology

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

WEL 100 Wellness for Life

SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology

Mathematics (MATH 102 or higher)

Natural Sciences  (6 cr. from system Gen Ed)

Hist 368 History and Culture of American Indian

DCOM 212 Language Development  

ECE 220 Health, Safety, and Nutrition

EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education

EDFN 475 Human Relations

ENGL 201 Composition II

HDFS 241 Family Relations

Humanities and Arts (6 cr. from system Gen Ed.)

EDFN 365Computer Based Technology and Learning

Land and Natural Resources (3cr. from IGR Goal 1 list)

ECE 455 Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings

ECE 364 Parent/Child Relationships in a Professional Context

ECE 371-371L Infants and Toddlers: Developmentally Appropriate Practices

ECE 487 Orientation to Child and Family Services Practicum

ECE 488 Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education.

ECE 495 Practicum 

The following courses must be taken at SDSU main campus:

ECE 228-228L Observation and Participation in Early Childhood Education and Lab

ECE 361-361L Methods/Materials Early Childhood Education

ECE 362-362L Early Childhood Education Curriculum

ECE 365-365L Emergent Literacy in Birth to 8 Education

ECE 468 Early Intervention Family Centered Practices

ECE 470 Early Childhood Inclusion Strategies (Internet)

ECE 441 Professional Issues Child and Family Study

ECE 465 Introduction to Developmental Assessment of Young Children

CAREER POSSIBILITIES 

Early Childhood Teacher

Kindergarten teacher (with kindergarten endorsement added to degree)

Child Care Center Director/Administrator

Owner/Director of Day Care or Preschool

Education Director for children's programs in churches, hospitals, museums, libraries

Head Start/Early Head Start supervisor/teacher/specialist/coordinator

Curriculum Specialist

Training and Curriculum Specialist in Child Development

Parent Educator

Program Specialist at youth programs such as Boys and Girls Club, YWCA, YMCA, etc.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES SAY

The curriculum is hands-on and provides experiential education through field experiences.

Working in an actual classroom helps students confirm that this is truly the career for them.

Students feel strongly prepared to teach young children in both preschool and related classrooms.

The environment in this major is friendly and student-centered.