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. For more information, please visit our website.
Career Opportunities
Early Care and Education (ECE)
The ECE concentration prepares students to work with children from birth to age 8 in educational settings, including:
- Infant, toddler, and preschool teacher
- Administrator of an early education program
- Enroll in the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program
- Enroll in a Multiple Subject Credential Program
- Obtain a California Child Development Permit
- Work in social service agencies that serve young children, adolescents, and their families
- Special Education teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Special Education credential program)
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Community, Health, and Social Services for Children (CHSSC)
The CHSSC concentration prepares students for a career working with young children and families in non-education settings, including private and public programs. This concentration is perfect for students who intend to:
- Seek certification as a Child Life Specialist
- Enroll in a graduate school for certification as a counselor, Therapist, Social Worker, Child Life Specialist, or related field
- Work in public service agencies that serve children and families (First 5, WIC).
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Elementary Pre-Credential Concentration
The Elementary Pre-Credential Concentration prepares students to enter a Multiple Subject (Elementary) or Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential program after completion of the BA degree. Students complete coursework in child development, education, and the subjects taught in elementary classrooms. Students who complete this concentration meet the subject matter requirement and the prerequisites for the Sonoma State University Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credential programs. Visit this website for more information.
Special Education Teaching Concentration (SET)
The Special Education Teaching Concentration prepares students to earn a baccalaureate degree and begin the Special Education Teaching Credential at the same time by taking coursework toward the credential courses within the undergraduate major. This concentration is organized to meet the subject matter requirements and prerequisites for SSU Multiple Subject and Special Education teaching credentials. Earning the full teaching credential will require 1-2 semesters of coursework after the BA is complete, including student teaching. Visit this page for the catalog of the SET concentration.
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.
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