Early Childhood Education (ECE) Courses
ECE 294 Topics in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to study topics in Early Childhood Education that are not included in current offerings.
ECE 295 Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education offers students the opportunity to explore topics and interests that are not available through a current semester's regular course offerings. Students must have a faculty member willing to support and evaluate the student's progress towards the student's learning objectives.
ECE 299 Experimental Offering in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Working with children requires a thorough background check as well as a health screening and vaccinations or a medical exemption from vaccinations.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 120
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is an introduction to early childhood education, including an overview of the history of the field, evolution of professional practices and ethics, and developmentally appropriate educational principles and practices that support child development from birth through the school-age years. The early education principle of teaching practices based on observation, documentation, and interpretation of children's behavior will be introduced. The importance of the teacher/child relationship based on positive, supportive, culturally relevant, language inclusive, and mutually rewarding interactions is a foundation of the course. ECE 300 is recommended as the first course for students interested in learning more about the field.
ECE 302 Computer Skills for Educators
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed for educators of early childhood, elementary, and adolescent children. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the use of computer education and technology in the classroom in order to enhance the education advancement of the child and facilitate ease of instruction and administration for the teacher. The course provides hands-on experience in the use of computer applications, educational software, and problem-solving skills through the development of an electronic portfolio process.
ECE 305 Introduction to Family Child Care
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course examines the operation of a Family Child Care business including developmentally appropriate teaching practices in Early Childhood Education. It includes licensing regulations, business practices, health and safety standards, and appropriate practices and curriculum for children in a family child care setting.
ECE 312 Child Development
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID CDEV 100
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed for students to study the growth and development of children from the prenatal stage through adolescence. For each stage of development, the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social-moral, and emotional aspects of development with attention to both typical as well as atypical development are discussed in each area. Included are the influences of culture, family, and the environment. The material in this course is designed as a foundation for teaching in the elementary school, nursing, early childhood education, and parenting.
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area D; CSU Area E1; IGETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID CDEV 110
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. Influences on growth and development including media, social class, gender, sexual orientation, racial/ethnic groups, and their relationship to family behavior will be explored.
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education
- Units:4
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP), measles, and rubella. Annual flu shots, a physician's exemption from the flu shot, or a statement declining the shot are also required prior to participating in the lab.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 130
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course offers students the opportunity to integrate theory into practice as they work on planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom activities, assessing individual children's strengths and learning needs, and participating in the routines of an early learning classroom. In this supervised field experience course, students are enrolled in both a lecture and lab section. During weekly in-class meetings with the instructor, students are presented with the developmentally appropriate theory that grounds curriculum and interactions in high quality early childhood education classrooms. Students are required to take this theory into lab where they have the opportunity to apply and practice what they are learning in the lecture. Topics include the teacher's role in the development of curriculum based on observation and assessment of the individual needs of the children in the program. The teacher's role in guidance and the development of social competence in children is emphasized. The students will be assigned to the campus Child Development Center during specific times of the day for supervised laboratory experiences. Students may also complete up to 50 percent of their lab hours at off campus sites if they are employed at least 20 hours per week at the site. Students completing any hours at off campus sites must be under the direct supervision of a staff person eligible for or holding a Master Teacher Permit or higher level permit. Students may also complete lab under the supervision of a mentor teacher selected by the California Early Childhood Mentor Teacher Program coordinated by Los Rios District Early Childhood Education faculty.
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education
- Units:4
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300, 312, 314, and 320 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP), measles, and rubella. Annual flu shots, a physician's exemption from the flu shot, or a statement declining the shot are also required prior to participating in the lab.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 210
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This advanced practicum course provides supervised field experience in an early childhood education program. Students will participate as teachers in a classroom with young children and attend weekly lectures. Students will plan and implement long-term curriculum projects with young children, applying their skills in observation, assessment, documentation, and interpretation of children's work. There is a deeper examination of how young children construct knowledge in literacy, math, science, and how teachers develop curriculum. Students will develop and supervise the overall setting for learning and demonstrate skill in guiding children's behavior, managing groups, and building relationships with children and families. Students will be assigned to the campus Child Development Center or approved programs for supervised field experience practicum. Students may also complete up to 50 percent of their lab hours at off campus sites if they are employed at least 20 hours per week at the site. Students completing any hours at off campus sites must be under the direct supervision of a staff person eligible for or holding a Master Teacher Permit or higher level permit. Students may also complete lab under the supervision of a mentor teacher selected by the California Early Childhood Mentor Teacher Program coordinated by Los Rios District Early Childhood Education faculty.
ECE 322 Promoting Children's Social Competence
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed for teachers in early education programs to promote positive guidance methods. It is based on supporting children's development of social competence. The course includes strategies for understanding and responding to children's behavior in ways that are congruent with the core values of early childhood education. Concepts of guidance relating to typical and atypical development, culture, and environment will be presented. Parents of young children may also find the course of value.
ECE 324 Post Practicum Seminar in Early Childhood Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:18 - 54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 320 and 321 with grades of "C" or better; Employment in the Sacramento City College Child Development Center
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP), measles, and rubella. Annual flu shots, a physician's exemption from the flu shot, or a statement declining the shot are also required prior to participating in the lab.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed for students who have completed both ECE 320 and 321 and are working in a classroom as staff. The course supports students as they transition into taking responsibility for a classroom including ongoing curriculum development, assessment, guidance, and teaching to the needs of individual children. The course includes strategies for working with families and fellow staff members from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area II(b)
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 200
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course applies critical and reflective thinking to observation and assessment of young children’s development. It prepares teachers of young children to use observation, documentation, and interpretation strategies to improve program quality in early childhood settings. Multiple forms of child assessment and early childhood program assessment are explored.
ECE 327 Supervised Practicum Field Experience For Early Care and Education Providers
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:During enrollment in the course, students must be working and continue to work 30 hours or more per week in an early care and education setting. The supervisor of the student enrolled in the course must agree to the student's participation in the course and to the student completing their required projects and assignments in their work site setting. Students must be supervised by a staff member holding or eligible to hold the Master Teacher Permit or higher.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 130
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course offers students the opportunity to integrate theory into practice as they work on planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom activities, assessing individual children's strengths and learning needs, and participating in the routines of an early learning classroom. Students are presented with the developmentally appropriate theory that grounds curriculum and interactions in high quality early childhood education classrooms and asked to integrate and apply it into their daily practice. Topics include the teacher's role in the development of curriculum based on observation and assessment of the individual needs of the children in the program. The teacher's role in guidance and the development of social competence in children is emphasized. Enrollment in this supervised field experience course is limited to students working in an early care and education setting 30 or more hours per week. Students and their work site supervisor will be required to complete an agreement allowing the student to complete the course's assignments and projects at their work sites.
ECE 328 Advanced Practicum for Worksite
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300, 312, 314, and 320 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:During enrollment in the course, students must be working and continue to work 30 hours or more per week in an early care and education setting. The supervisor of the student enrolled in the course must agree to the student's participation in the course and to the student completing their required projects and assignments in their work site setting. Students must be supervised by a staff member holding or eligible to hold the Master Teacher Permit or higher.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 210
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This advanced practicum provides supervised field experience in an early childhood education program where the student is employed a minimum of 30 hours per week. Students must be participating staff in a classroom for young children. Students will participate in weekly lectures, assignments, discussion, and implement these into their worksite classrooms. Students will plan and implement long-term curriculum projects with young children, applying their skills in observation, assessment, documentation, and interpretation of children's work. There is a deep examination of how young children construct knowledge in literacy, math, science, and how teachers develop curriculum. Students will develop and supervise the overall setting of their worksite classroom for learning and demonstrate skill in guiding children's behavior, managing groups, and building relationships with children and families. Students will evaluate worksite classrooms as to their accessibility and appropriateness for children with differing abilities and multiple languages and cultures.
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is an examination of the development of children from conception to three years of age. The course includes information on the brain development that occurs during the first three years of life in typically developing infants. The course presents research on physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development to assist parents and professionals in understanding the importance of infancy in human development.
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 330 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course applies current research in infant development to the teaching and care of infants in group settings. Emphasis is on early childhood education principles and practices as applied to the care and education of infants from birth to three years of age. It includes strategies for designing, implementing, and evaluating group care programs for infants.
ECE 334 Laboratory with Infants and Toddlers
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 312 or 330 with a grade of "C" or better; Students must have completed ECE 331 (Education and Care of Infants in Group Settings) with a grade of "C" or better or be concurrently enrolled in ECE 331.
- Enrollment Limitation:Current tuberculosis clearance is required prior to participating in lab hours
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This class provides experience working with infants and toddlers in a group care program. It is designed as a practicum/laboratory for those who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in ECE 331. This course requires participation in a designated, supervised infant-toddler care setting for three hours per week with infants and/or toddlers. Students must be supervised by a staff member holding the Master Teacher Permit or higher during their lab hours. Current clearances for tuberculosis and required immunizations are required prior to participating in lab hours.
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
The course is an introduction to the constructivist approach to teaching mathematics and science in early childhood education. The content and teaching techniques support the perspective that children construct knowledge through a dynamic, interactive process that facilitates their development of working theories relating to math and science. The course introduces concepts aligned with California Preschool Learning Foundations in Mathematics and the California Common Core Curriculum Standards.
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course prepares early childhood educators to recognize, create, and support developmentally appropriate emergent language and literacy experiences of young children. The knowledge of the stages of development in language and literacy will improve early childhood educators' abilities to support language and literacy in a play based curriculum. The course will address the development of language and literacy for children learning more than one language and children with special needs. The course emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in the use of language, both spoken and written prior to first grade.
ECE 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Current TB clearance is required by state law for all volunteers/teachers in education programs. The livescan background check is required by some local school districts.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- C-ID:C-ID EDUC 200
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides students an opportunity to explore the field of K-8 teaching and the career of teaching. The requirements and education required to attain a teaching credential will be examined. It includes a supervised structured field placement of three hours weekly (minimum of 45 hours per semester) in a local public elementary school with a college-approved certificated teacher. The weekly class meetings focus on the profession of teaching, career selection, children's developmental domains and influences on development such as family, community, race, and culture. The students will practice and develop teaching skills in observation, communication, and cultural competency. Students' field experiences will integrate and apply the course content.
ECE 360 Art and Music in Early Childhood
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is a study of the use of creative art and music in early childhood education programs. The appropriate use of art materials and music activities for children at different developmental stages will be the focus of the course. Children's use of visual arts and music to represent their experiences and feelings will be examined as a developmental stage in the use of symbols and the development of literacy. Activities using music and movement to build community, share cultures and traditions, facilitate transitions, and in classroom management will be presented. The integration of art and music across the curriculum and the adaptation of these processes to support young children's overall development will be emphasized.
ECE 400 Children with Exceptional Needs
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is an overview of the developmental issues, characteristics, and learning differences of children from birth through adolescence with exceptional needs, including gifted and talented. Current educational strategies, including assessment and curriculum design will be presented. Community resources, advocacy, and challenges for children with exceptional needs and their families will be examined.
ECE 401 Field Experience in Inclusive Settings
- Units:1
- Hours:54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 400 with a grade of "C" or better; or concurrent enrollment in ECE 400
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show evidence of a negative test or chest X-ray clearance for tuberculosis as well as required immunizations as required from the local school district or education agency.
Students may need to submit to fingerprints as a requirement for entry into a school setting. A fee will be required.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides experience working in a school environment with children and youth who have disabilities. It is designed as a laboratory for those who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in ECE 400. The course covers skills for students who want to be general educators, special educators, school and social service providers, and/or community members, who are essential in providing inclusive/integrated environments for differently-abled children and youth. Environmental modifications including classroom, school, agency, and community settings are studied. Classroom modifications in curriculum, assessment, behavior management, and instructional methods are examined. This course meets the requirement for special education in inclusive settings. Students must supply their own transportation to selected elementary school placements.
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 330 and ECE 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the characteristics of atypical infant assessment procedures and techniques for intervention in the developmental areas of sensory stimulation and integration, motor development, cognition, language, social, and self-help skills. The course will explore community services, agencies, career opportunities in fields related to the infant with atypical development.
ECE 406 Field Experience Working with Children with Special Needs
- Units:4
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 400 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must show proof of clearance for T.B. and required immunizations.
Students may be required to pay a fee for fingerprinting.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides supervised experience working with children with special needs in an inclusive early care and education setting. Topics include integration strategies, classroom environments, and individualized instructional strategies for children. Emphasis will be on creating modifications, accommodations, or adaptations to the environment. In this supervised field experience course, students are enrolled in both a lecture and lab section. Students are required to attend a lab section each week where they have the opportunity to apply and practice what they are learning in the lecture section. The students will be assigned to the Campus Child Development Center during specific times of the day for supervised laboratory experiences.
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area E1
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 220
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
The key components that ensure the health, safety, and nutrition of both children and staff will be identified along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Students will be introduced to early childhood curriculum, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to child health, safety, and nutrition. Course emphasis is placed on integrating and maintaining the optimal health, safety, and nutritional concepts in everyday planning and program development for all children.
ECE 419 Healthy Young Children in Group Care
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers information necessary for providers to maintain safe and healthy environments for young children in their care. Topics include preventive health practices, infectious disease control, injury prevention, playground safety, prevention of lead exposure, and emergency preparedness. This course meets the requirements of mandated health and safety training for child care providers.
ECE 420 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 300 and 312 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is an introductory course in the elements of program planning, legal requirements, supervision, and personnel administration for early childhood education and care facilities. The emphasis in this course is on privately funded facilities licensed under the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing, Title 22, Health and Safety Code.
ECE 422 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ECE 320 or 420 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:Students should have at least one year of experience working with children in a child care and development program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is an advanced course in the administration and coordination of multi-faceted Child Development Programs. The focus of the course will be programs funded with public funds or administered by a board of directors. Additional emphasis will be on personnel management including teacher classifications under the Child Development Permit Matrix. This course meets the requirements of the Education Code under Title 5 and the Commission for Teacher Credentialing, California Site Supervisor Permit.
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is a study of the methods and principles of the collaborative learning approach with emphasis on supervising teachers in early childhood education. Emphasis is on the role of a mentor who functions to guide the teaching team while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and their staff. This course satisfies the adult supervision requirement for receiving a Supervising Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; and ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area VI
- C-ID:C-ID ECE 230
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers culturally responsive care and education in early childhood settings. It includes the study of socio-cultural issues as they vary across the diverse cultures represented in the classroom and as they impact a child's development. Included are strategies for interacting with diverse families and helping children negotiate and resolve conflicts caused by cultural differences, with a focus on using an anti-bias approach in the classroom.
ECE 495 Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Independent Studies in Early Childhood Education offers students the opportunity to explore topics and interests that are not available through a current semester's regular course offerings. Students must have a faculty member willing to support and evaluate the student's progress towards the student's learning objectives. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted toward the minimum 60 units required for admissions.
ECE 499 Experimental Offering in Early Childhood Education
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.