Early Childhood Studies, Minor

The minor in Early Childhood Studies gives students from any major at Sonoma State University a concentration in the study of early childhood development and learning. This minor is excellent for students interested in pursuing careers involving work with young children from birth through age eight in fields such as Child Life Specialist, Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, and others.

For a minor in Early Childhood Studies, students must take five required courses (18 units) plus an additional 6 units of elective courses, for a total of 24 units.

For more information about the ECS minor and the designated advisor, please visit this webpage.

https://ecs.sonoma.edu/early-childhood-studies/minor-early-childhood-studies

Program Course Work

The Early Childhood Studies Minor requires 24 units of coursework: 18 units of core courses and 6 units of electives. Please work with the Early Childhood Studies minor advisor to choose electives that will best meet your career plans.

Core Courses

EDEC 110 - Understanding Development: Birth through Adolescence Unit(s): 3
EDEC 220 - Child Observation with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 270 - Families and Children in Diverse Societies Unit(s): 4
EDSP 432 - Young Children with Special Needs Unit(s): 4
EDEC 450 - Empowerment and Equity for Children and Families Unit(s): 3

Elective Courses

Choose 6 units from the following courses.

Other elective courses may apply; please consult with an advisor.

AMCS 445 - Multi-Culturalism and Education Unit(s): 4
CALS 405 - The Chicano/Latino Family Unit(s): 3-4
CALS 450 - Chicano/Latino Children’s Literature Unit(s): 3-4
EDEC 201 - Foundations of Early Care and Education Unit(s): 4
EDEC 237 - Early Childhood Curriculum with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 247 - Physical Development and Health in Childhood Unit(s): 3
EDEC 405 - iPlay: Child Development in the Digital Age Unit(s): 3
EDEC 406 - Positive Guidance Unit(s): 3
EDEC 407 - Children’s Literature for Justice Unit(s): 3
EDEC 408 - Science, Literacy, and Play: Exploring the Natural World with Young Children Unit(s): 3
EDEC 409 - Play in Early Childhood Unit(s): 3
EDEC 410 - Language Development Unit(s): 3
EDEC 411 - Infant and Toddler Development Unit(s): 3
EDEC 435 - Leadership on Behalf of Children and Families Unit(s): 4
EDEC 437 - Integrated Curriculum with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 447 - Children’s Emotional Development and Mental Health Unit(s): 3
EDEC 460 - Introduction to Research in Early Childhood Studies Unit(s): 4
EDEC 490 - Special Topics in Early Childhood Studies Unit(s): 1-4
EDMS 419 - Identity and Agency for Socially Just Classrooms and Communities Unit(s): 3
EDUC 250 - Teaching in a Changing World Unit(s): 3
KIN 400 - Elementary School Physical Education Unit(s): 3
PSY 418 - Diversity in Families Unit(s): 4
PSY 431 - Introduction To Art Therapy Unit(s): 4
PSY 448 - Cognitive Development Unit(s): 4
SOCI 345 - Sociology of Families Unit(s): 4
SOCI 445 - Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence Unit(s): 4