Education/Teaching

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Apply knowledge and skills gained in various disciplines to ensure transfer to a CSU campus in preparation for successful completion of upper division coursework after transfer (PSLO #1)
• Use the scientific methods of inquiry, data collection, quantitative reasoning, and basic mathematical concepts to analyze information in appropriate disciplines
• Apply analytical reading and writing, research, and critical thinking essential for completing of assigned tasks
• Describe the nature of American government and compare and contrast local, state and national political institutions
• Write and speak effectively, demonstrating the ability to evaluate audience and appeal to it persuasively
• Apply knowledge of world history and cultures to identify the values of a culture and work with others of a diverse culture
• Compare and contrast various forms and styles of music, artworks, and theatrical performances
• Evaluate attitudes, actions, and behaviors indicative of a professional educator (PSLO #2)
• Apply knowledge of developmental theories to assess teaching practices and learning conditions in children and classroom situations. (PSLO #3)

The AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary for transfer to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program, especially at a campus of the California State University (CSU) system. Career opportunities for students who have earned BA degrees in Elementary Teacher Education include but are not limited to: Teacher, primary grades; Teacher, intermediate grades; Teacher, private school; Instructional Assistant. Many careers require additional training beyond the Bachelor Degree. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
• PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
• PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
• PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
• PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
• PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Upon completion of the A.A. degree, a student possesses the course work required to work as a teacher in both private and public early care and education settings, serving infants through preschool-age children. Additionally, the individual can work as a teacher in before-and-after school programs, serving school-age children.

The Early Childhood Education, Site Supervisor Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
• PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
• PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
• PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
• PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
• PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

Upon completion of this certificate, the student exceeds the minimum requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a privately funded early care and education program. With documented experience supervising staff, the student also meets the requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a publicly funded early care and education program.

¹The program requirements listed here for CSUS apply to students completing this course sequence by Fall 2007. Students should contact a counselor about the new program requirements which were effective with the Fall 2004-05 catalog.

The Liberal Studies for Elementary Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Apply knowledge, skills and abilities towards successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
• Apply knowledge of child development theories to assess the characteristics of teaching practices and learning conditions.

Teacher, primary grades; Teacher, intermediate grades; Instructional Assistant Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

Curriculum, Specialization Option

Infant and Toddler Care, Specialization Option

School-Age Care, Specialization Option

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
• PSLO 2: (Equity and Cultural Sustainability) Construct knowledge based on the principles of anti-bias education in order to design environments that promote justice, equity and inclusion for all children, families, and communities.
• PSLO 3: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
• PSLO 4: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
• PSLO 5: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.
• PSLO 6: (Leadership) Understanding and commitment to leadership development that empowers, encourages, cultivates, and supports self and others to become agents of change and advocate for high-quality early care and education experiences for all children, support for families, and professional stature of educators.

This certificate qualifies students to be a master teacher or a supervising teacher in early care and education programs. Upon completion of this certificate and with documented related experience, the individual is eligible to be a lead teacher and/or mentor teacher in both publicly and privately funded programs serving young children and their families. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Meet with a counselor and an ECE faculty to determine these options.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• PSLO 1: (Development and Learning) Analyze and synthesize research and theories to support development and learning. Evaluate and implement developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning which support the whole child including foundational skills and concepts in language and literacy, math, science, art, health and wellness, and social relationships.
• PSLO 2: (Professionalism) Develop competencies, professional skills, and plans for professional growth. Integrate reflective practices to support professional growth as an Early Childhood professional. Understand and integrate the NAEYC Code of Ethics to support children, families, and other educators.
• PSLO 3: (Observation, Documentation and Assessment) Utilize authentic assessment strategies based on observation, reflection, documentation, and interpretation of children’s development to inform teaching practices.
• PSLO 4: (Family Engagement) Incorporate strategies for building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, children and the community in order to support children's development and learning. Develop knowledge and skills to provide a responsive curriculum and learning environment that reflects the children and the families in the program.

Upon completion of this certificate and with appropriate documented experience, the student exceeds the minimum requirements for employment as a teacher in privately funded before-and-after school child care programs. These requirements are outlined in Title 22 (Department of Social Services) regulations for child care licensing.