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Early Childhood Education Concentration
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) concentration lays a foundation of content knowledge and practical skills relevant to working with young children (from the prenatal period through age eight). By completing the 25 units of ECE-specific coursework, students develop the knowledge and expertise needed for various early education and child development professions.
Additionally, completion of a bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE concentration will open pathways to additional permits and/or credentials. For more information about permitting and credentialing associated with the ECE concentration, please visit our ECE Permitting and Credentialing Pathways website.
ECE-Specific Coursework
Detailed below are the 25 units of ECE coursework students must complete in order to complete a bachelor's degree in Human Development with an ECE Concentration.
Lower Division Prep (15 units)
- PSYC 210 - Child Growth and Development
An introductory survey course that utilizes a chronological approach to examine human development from birth through adolescence. Includes a study of physical development and health; developmental issues of children with special needs; cognitive and moral development; social and personality development; and genetic, sociocultural, and other influences on development.
- Units: 3
- PSYC 215 - Child, Family, Community
Study of child and adolescent development within the psychosocial worlds of family, school, and community. Bidirectional effects and interactions among these influences will be explored. Age, gender, diverse abilities, ethnicity, socioeconomic, and public factors that affect development of values, attitudes, morals, and behavior of children and youth will be considered within an ecological framework.
- Units: 3
- HD 270 - Infant and Toddler Education
- Course Description and Catalog link coming soon
- HD 280 - Curriculum in Early Childhood
- Course Description and Catalog link coming soon
- EDMX 281 - Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
- Course Description and Catalog link coming soon
Upper Division (10 units)
- EDMX 381 - Differences not Disabilities: Educating All Children in Inclusive Classrooms
Introduces the history of issues and best practices in the education of young children (birth-8) and older youth with disabilities or other diverse academic, social/emotional, language, and communication learning needs. Examines the social construction of difference and intersectional identities for all marginalized youth. Focuses upon the legal, philosophical, and ethical underpinnings and contemporary practices for creating inclusive learning experiences and environments for all learners including infants, children, and young adults with disabilities.
May not be taken for credit by students who received credit for: EDUC 381.- Units: 3
- HD 365 - Diversity in Early Childhood Education
- Course Description and Catalog link coming soon
- HD 496
This course is offered in tandem and encompasses a 3 unit ECE Practicum and 1 unit ECE Fieldwork. The fieldwork course includes 100 hours of supervised teaching within an ECE setting.
- Course Description and Catalog link coming soon
Special Requirements for the ECE Concentration
Detailed below are the special requirements for the ECE concentration, along with links to resources for completing these additional requirements.
- Fingerprinting and Background Check
As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children, families, and educational communities, the Human Development department requires all students enrolled in the ECE concentration to complete a background check and fingerprinting process prior to participating in the HD 496 practicum course and placement (typically taken in fourth year of program).
To complete the fingerprinting and background check process, students will need to complete the fingerprinting process at any of these Live Scan Locations.
Live Scan TimelineStudents must complete the Live Scan background check process at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester in which they take HD 496 coursework.
Failure to complete the background clearance may delay degree progression, prevent placement in the practicum course, and impact the ability to graduate with an ECE concentration. Students cannot graduate with an ECE concentration without the HD 496 courses.
- Health Screening and Immunizations
Students will complete a health screening signed by a doctor and including a tuberculosis test. Students will also provide evidence of a history of full immunization against MMR, Tdap, and the flu. Students can apply for an exemption to the immunization requirement by providing a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, immunization is not safe.
Heath Screening and Immunizations TimelineStudents must complete the health screening and provide documentation of immunizations at least six weeks prior to the start of the semester in which they take HD 496 coursework.
Failure to obtain and maintain medical clearance may delay degree progression, prevent placement in the practicum course, and impact the ability to graduate with an ECE concentration. Students cannot graduate with an ECE concentration without the HD 496 courses.
Please note that school districts, state agencies, and certification bodies may have their own additional or updated requirements. It is the responsibility of each candidate to remain informed of changes and to maintain current clearance before and throughout their practicum course.
Transfer Information
CSUSM is currently working on transfer pathways with local community colleges. We anticipate that students would complete five courses at any local community college’s child development department and an additional five general educational courses. Please check back for more information.