Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education AS-T

The Associate in Science in Child development for Transfer Degree is designed to provide students a seamless transfer to the California State University system. The degree is designed to prepare students for a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education or similar major.

The West Hills College Child Development Program offers a comprehensive background in the field of child growth and development. Program emphasis includes information directed at working with culturally diverse families, addressing the needs of children at risk through early intervention, and creating and teaching developmentally appropriate curriculum to young children.

Students will be offered information and skills for potential employment in Federal, State, non-profit, or privately owned early childhood education/child care programs. Courses in this program may assist the student to qualify for Child Development Certificates issued by West Hills College and/or a Child Development Permit obtained from the State of California, Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing.

  • Upon completion of the early childhood education program, the student will be able to:
  • Integrate child development concepts into their daily practices with young children.
  • Implement developmentally appropriate teaching practices with young children.
  • Integrate knowledge of operating a successful child care program.
  • Apply administrative principles, including budgeting, conflict resolution and health and safety issues.
  • Apply early intervention strategies while working with infants, toddlers and young children.
  • Implement various early intervention techniques while working with infants, toddlers, young children and their families.

This program is intended for students planning to transfer to a California State University. Students must fulfill the following requirements to qualify for an associate degree for transfer:

  • Complete CSU GE Breadth or IGETC pattern
  • Complete the major course requirements as specified in the catalog with a C or better
  • Complete electives to reach a total of 60 transferable units
  • Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 overall
  • Complete the English, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Math requirements with a C or better

This program has 50 percent or more of the major courses available via distance education/online

Course # Title Units
Required Core Courses
CD 002 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3
CD 003 Observation and Assessment 3
CD 005 Child Development 3
CD 010 Child, Family and Society 3
CD 012A Principles & Practices of Early Childhood Education 3
CD 012B Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Education Field Work 3
CD 016 Introduction to Curriculum 3
CD 018 Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
Total 24
Units to be double-counted as General Education 3
CSU GE Breadth or IGETC units 39
Transferable Elective Units 3
Total 60