The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work effectively with children in early childhood (birth to age 8). Students study multi-disciplinary theories, research, and best practices, with an emphasis on socio-cultural factors that affect learning and development. They learn how to use theories and research from anthropology, child development, education, health, psychology, sociology, and multicultural studies to promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of diverse young children. Students study the science of assessing children’s growth and development, and they acquire skills in effectively communicating these findings to families and community partners. The program also prepares professionals to be leaders and advocates on behalf of all children and families.
Concentrations
When students declare a major in Early Childhood Studies, they must choose a concentration in either Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Development.
Career Opportunities
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education concentration prepares students for a career in an early education setting, including:
- Infant, toddler, and preschool teacher
- Administrator of an early education program
- Support services in agencies that serve young children and families
- Elementary teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject credential program
- Special Education teacher (requires completion of a post baccalaureate Special Education credential program)
Early Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development concentration prepares students for a career working with young children and families in non-education settings. Students work with an advisor to prepare for a career in entry level positions in social services or for graduate school in counseling, social work, child life specialist, etc.
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Degree Requirements |
Units |
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General Education |
44-47 |
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Lower Division |
16-17 |
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Upper Division |
26-27 |
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Electives |
30-33 |
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Admission Requirements
For admissions to the major, students must have a GPA of 2.5 and have completed 3 units of approved coursework in child development/early childhood education, with a grade of C+ or better.
Goals of the Early Childhood Studies Major
The goals of the Early Childhood Studies major are aligned with the mission of the SSU School of Education and the mission of the Department of Early Childhood Studies. The Early Childhood program seeks to prepare graduates who:
- Are agents of individual growth and social change as well as models and advocates of the broader intellectual and social values of a democratic society.
- Are knowledgeable and thoughtful about the field of early childhood studies.
- Promote physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and moral growth and learning in their professional work with young children, as well as respecting and encouraging the contributions of families and caregivers in the care and education of children and youth.
- Design and carry out inclusive practices that respect human differences and aim to include all children and families.
- Continually use inquiry, observation, study, and reflection to improve their professional practices.
Student Learning Outcomes
Concentration 1: Early Childhood Education
SLO1: Students are knowledgable about theories and research related to child development and growth, and they are able to effectively promote child development and learning.
SLO2: Students understand the components and importance of building family and community relationships in work with young children.
SLO3: Students understand the importance of and are able to observe, document, and assess the growth and development of young children; students are able to effectively communicate these findings to families.
SLO4: Students know how to use developmentally and culturally appropriate and effective approaches with young children, and they reflect upon professional practices.
SLO5: Students design, implement, and evaluate effective curriculum that aligns with state early learning standards for children in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
SLO6: Students see themselves as professionals and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and dispositions: understanding and upholding ethical and professional standards; engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice; understanding where to find professional resources; integrating informed and critical perspectives into their work with young children; and engaging in informed advocacy for young children and their families.
SLO7: Students observe and practice their developing skills in different kinds of early childhood educational settings.
Concentration 2: Early Childhood Development
SLO1: Students are knowledgeable about theories and research related to child development and growth, and they are able to effectively promote practices that support optimal child development and health (including mental health).
SLO2: Students understand the components and importance of building family and community relationships in work with young children.
SLO3: Students understand the importance of and are able to observe, document, and assess the growth and development of young children; students are able to effectively communicate these findings to families.
SLO4: Students know how to use developmentally and culturally appropriate and effective approaches with young children, and they reflect upon professional practices.
SLO5: Students identify and evaluate effective practices in programs that promote and protect development and health of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in the middle childhood years.
SLO6: Students see themselves as professionals and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and dispositions: understanding and upholding ethical and professional standards; engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice; understanding where to find professional resources; integrating informed and critical perspectives into their work with young children; and engaging in informed advocacy for young children and their families.
SLO7: Students observe and practice their developing skills in different kinds of programs that support children and families.
