Major in Early Childhood Studies - Program Description

Prerequisites to the Early Childhood Studies Majorclose up picture of little boy looking down

The only pre-requisite for the Early Childhood Studies major is that you be in good standing at SSU with a GPA of 2.0 or better.   However, because this major can be used to prepare for multiple careers, it is important that you meet with an Early Childhood Studies advisor as early as possible in your undergraduate career.  To make an appointment, visit the advisor during office hours or use the contact information on the prior page to schedule an appointment.

Advising Guidelines

Before you meet with an advisor, please complete the following steps.

Print out a copy of your Degree Progress report and unofficial transcripts from SSU.  If you are a transfer student, also print out a copy of your “transfer credit report” by selecting “self service” in PeopleSoft (remember to click “expand” to get your full report).

Download and print a GE pattern form from http://www.sonoma.edu/advising/ge/.  Be sure to choose the form that applies to you.  Check off the GE Courses you have completed. 

Complete the ECS Major Advising Form on the last page of this packet.

If you are changing your major or if you are currently “undeclared,” pick up a “Change of Major” form from Admissions and Records (2nd floor of Salazar Hall).

Bring all of the above documents with you to your advising meeting.

Degree Requirements for B.A. in Early Childhood Studies

The B.A. with a major in Early Childhood Studies requires that you complete a total of 120 units.  Units fall into the following categories:

Early Childhood Studies Major Core Requirements (36 units)

CORE REQUIREMENTS

UNITS

Lower-Division Coursework

EDEC 201 Foundations of Early Care and Education

4

EDEC 220  Observing Child Development in the First Eight Years

4

EDEC 237  Creating Environments for Young Children

4

EDEC 270  Children and Families in a Diverse Society

4

Upper-Division Coursework

EDEC 331  Studying Children in Context

4

EDEC 420  Child Development in the Family, Community, and School*
(Meets GE, Area E)

3

EDEC 437  Integrated Curriculum in Early Childhood Classrooms

4

EDSP 432  Young Children with Special Needs

4

EDEC 435  Leadership and Advocacy on Behalf of Children and Families

4

EDEC 478  Senior Portfolio

1

Transfer students who have completed the CAP 8 Child Development sequence have met the requirements for the following courses:  EDEC 201, EDEC 220, EDEC 237, EDEC 270, and EDEC 420.  Please meet with the ECS advisor for more information.

Students who completed EDEC 239 and/or EDEC 331 prior to Fall 2012 must contact an advisor to discuss which of the above requirements have been met.

Early Childhood Studies Major Electives (6 units)

In addition to the Early Childhood Studies core courses, students must also choose a minimum of 6 units from the following electives.  It is imperative that students meet with an advisor to choose electives that will meet the requirements for their career goals.

Dept/Course

UNITS

EDUC 417  School and Society* (Meets GE, Area D)

3

EDMS 470  Multicultural Pedagogy*

3

AMCS 339 Ethnic Groups and American Social Policy (Meets GE, Area D)

3

AMCS 445  Multiculturalism and Education

4

CALS 405  The Chicano/Latino Family

4

CALS 450  Chicano/Latino Children’s Literature

4

ENSP 440  Education and the Environment

4

ENSP 442  Methods and Models in Education and the Environment

3

KIN 400  Elementary School Physical Education

3

KIN 410  Lifespan Motor Development

3

PSY 409  Social and Emotional Development

4

PSY 411 Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children

4

PSY 418 Psychology of the Family

4

PSY 431  Introduction to Art Therapy

4

PSY 448  Cognitive Development

4

SOCI 345  Sociology of Families

4

SOCI 445  Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence

4

Other electives may be considered in consultation with the ECS Advisor

*EDUC 417, EDMS 470, and EDEC 420 are prerequisite courses for the Elementary School Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.