Early Childhood Education A.S.-T. Degree (13010.AST)

School of Education

The Merced College Child Development Department offers students classes and training to meet California requirements for credentials and licenses, as well as an Associate of Arts in Child Development (AA) degree and an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in ECE) degree. Preparation includes transfer level courses with several that meet general education requirements and Certificates of Achievement. Throughout all courses, students are trained culturally sensitive and family-focused perspectives that emphasize the value of individual differences in your children. The Child Development Department works closely with many community programs to meet the specific needs of the early care and education workforce.

Students are strongly encouraged to transfer to a 4-year college or university. In several courses, students are given information about pursuing their bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees. In particular classes, information, materials, and workshops on the California Teaching Credential Child Development Permit Matrix are shared. The permit matrix covers entry level positions through a master’s degree option. To increase the likelihood that students will transfer, students are required to develop an education plan with a counselor. Increasing numbers of our students are transferring to pursue degrees in child development, liberal studies, and other related fields.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in ECE) at Merced College is based on the approved Transfer Model in accordance to SB1440 and California Education Code sections 66746- 66749. The AS-T in ECE is consistent with and supports the colleges’ mission of commitment to continuously improve methods of providing an accessible, affordable, and relevant education that improves the quality of life for all students and their communities. The AS-T in ECE is designed to prepare students for transfer into the CSU system with guarantee admission with junior status to complete a baccalaureate degree in ECE or similar major. Students who obtain advanced degrees and/or professional certificates, such as a baccalaureate degree, will have the foundation to pursue careers in the early care and education workforce. AS-T in ECE students will:

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

A. Develop knowledge of high quality developmentally appropriate practices.

B. Analyze the various theoretical frameworks and domains associated with typical and atypical development.

C. Formulate effective strategies that empower families and community.

D. Construct personal philosophy regarding professionalism and best practices in child development.

For an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS¬T in ECE):

1. 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

2. the California State University General Education (CSU-GE) pattern OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

3. a minimum of 18 semester units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

5. earn a grade of C (or P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Note: Students are not required to complete any additional local graduation requirements for the AS-T (e.g., PE and Computer and Information Literacy courses).

Visit the Program Mapper for more information on when to take classes and career information.

Program Requirements:

Total Units that may be double counted: (-6 Units)

General Education (CSU-GE or IGETC) Units: (37-39 Units)

Elective (CSU Transferable) Units: (2-3 Units)

Total Degree Units: (60 Units)

Programs of Similar Interest:

• Elementary Teacher Education (AA-T)

• Child Development (AA)

• Administration in Early Childhood Education (CT)

• Early Intervention Assistant Specialization (CT)

• Families In Crisis Specialization (CT)

• Infant/Toddler Care (CT)

• School-Age Care Specialization (CT)