June 2012
B.A. Degree in Early Childhood Studies
Information and Advising Packet
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies provides students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work effectively with children in early childhood (birth to age 8). Students will study multi-disciplinary theories, research, and best practices in early care and education, with an emphasis on socio-cultural factors that affect learning and development. They will 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 will study the science of assessing children’s growth and development, and they will acquire skills in effectively communicating these findings to families and community partners. The program will also focus on preparing professionals to be leaders and advocates on behalf of all children and families.
This course of study will prepare graduates for various career paths, including:
- infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age child care teachers
- personnel in public and private agencies that serve children and families
- administrators of programs for young children and families
- professionals in health fields, such as child life specialists
- pre-requisite work for the Multiple Subjects credential for elementary school teachers
Students may also work with an advisor to prepare for graduate studies in related fields such as education, human development, social work, and counseling.
If you have questions about the Early Childhood Studies major, please contact :
Chiara Bacigalupa, Ph.D.
(707) 664-2104
chiara.bacigalupa@sonoma.edu
Prerequisites to the Early Childhood Studies Major
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. The application can be found in the School of Education office in Stevenson 1071 or at the School of Education website: http://www.sonoma.edu/education.
Degree Requirements for B.A. in Early Childhood Studies
A BA with a major in Early Childhood Studies requires that you complete a total of 120 units. Units fall into the following categories:
- 50 GE Units (for more information on GE units, see http://www.sonoma.edu/advising/ge/50.pdf)
- 42 Major Units (36 Core + 6 ECS Electives)
- 28 Units of Electives from across the University
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 239 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 |
3 |
EDEC 437 Integrated Curriculum in Early Childhood Classrooms (4) |
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 239, and EDEC 420. |
|
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 |
3 |
EDMS 470 Multicultural Pedagogy |
3 |
AMCS 339 Ethnic Groups and American Social Policy |
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 |
4 |
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 |
| Updated June 12, 2012 |