Early Childhood Education

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree (AS-T) provides a clearly articulated curricular track to complete a bachelor's degree in Early Development, Care and Education (EDCE) for students who wish to transfer to CSU Sacramento. Completion of this degree involves a cohort of Sierra College students who meet for classes in Placer County as part of a partnership with CSUS. The cohort structure provides for additional student support, while the format better meets the needs of working adults. The degree provides a curricular track for students planning to transfer to other CSU campuses with the following bachelor's degrees: Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development and Education. The required courses are part of the CA Curriculum Alignment Project, Lower Division 8 coursework and expose students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for future personal, academic, or career paths. Students will be able to identify and evaluate factors that influence children's development; analyze early childhood programs for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness; and exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field. Additionally, this degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to CSU campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors and Child Life Specialists. With a BA in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the Master Teacher and Site Supervisor levels of the CA Child Development Permit, using the Alternative Qualifications category. Students earning an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor's degree. To earn the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following- completion of all courses required for the major with grades of C or better; and California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).