The Associate in Science in Child Development is an academic and vocational training program that prepares students for future work as early childhood educators in diverse early childhood settings. Courses are designed to meet entry-level requirements for employment and/ or meet the requirements needed to obtain a California Child Development Permit and employment in a state licensed, private or publicly funded center-based child care program. Completion of specific coursework can also lead to employment in a program for children with special needs or an inclusion program. This program is designed to prepare students to compete for higher paying positions and to facilitate transfer to a four-year college or university. Students whose are English language learners may also be interested in English for Childcare noncredit certificate and courses.
Program Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of typical development of young children. • Identify and apply Developmentally Appropriate Practices in curriculum which include sensitivity to diverse family structures, abilities of children and individual learning styles. • Compare and contrast developmental theorists and their contribution to early childhood education. • Demonstrate the differences between typical and atypical development in young children and identify resources for children with special needs. • Examine the differences between education models for ECE. • Create Developmentally Appropriate education plans for young children identifying outcomes using Bloom's taxonomy and accurately document the learning that happens. • Observe and assess young children's development using various observation and assessment tools.
Career/Transfer Opportunities
Career opportunities include the following: lead teacher, program director, site supervisor, consultant, or parent educator. Completion of core coursework meets entry level educational requirements in early childhood education programs per California licensing policies. Students wishing to pursue higher level careers in early childhood programs, human development, child psychology, social work, and secondary education should see a counselor to determine the transfer requirements of specific four year colleges or universities.
September 2025
Department of Public Service and Social Sciences
3000 Mission College Blvd,
Santa Clara,
California,
95054, United States
Applicants must have completed a high schools/colleges attended inside and outside the US, with certified English translation (if necessary).
Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT minimum scores 61; IELTS minimum scores 6.0 overall with 5.5 reading and 6.0 writing; PTE (Pearson Test of English) minimum scores 45; Cambridge English Language Assessment minimum scores 175+ on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency Exam, Duolingo minimum scores 90.