The Early Childhood Education Degree Program at Santa Barbara City College centers around the continuing experience of supervised teaching, combined with intensive classroom instruction. Basic principles of early childhood education and child development, including curriculum for preschools, school age programs and care-giving for infant centers, are introduced. In-depth study of observation, assessment, health, safety, and nutrition are also introduced.
Throughout, there is considerable emphasis placed on developing professional interaction styles consistent with fostering positive staff relationships, communication and collaboration with parents, knowledge of community resources, and multicultural awareness of the diverse populations with whom the student will work.
Student teaching is carried out in two laboratory programs. Both laboratory programs, one for preschool children and one for infants and toddlers, are located at Kinko’s Early Learning Center, 365 Loma Alta, near the college’s main campus. Other opportunities for student teaching in a variety of community settings are available after meeting other criteria. Upon completion of the program and depending on demonstrated ability, the student is qualified to work as an associate teacher or teacher in almost any child development program in California. Additional courses are available to meet the requirements for director or site supervisor positions.
The ECE Program is coordinated with the child development major offered by several state universities which dovetails, in turn, with undergraduate and graduate work leading to advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education.
Many students find that teaching at this level is a deeply satisfying occupation, which, when done well, contributes substantially to the healthy growth of young children and their families. The field continues to be an expanding one and many jobs for qualified people exist in Santa Barbara, California, and throughout the nation.
Information about the program or about course sequence or selection can be obtained by contacting the faculty listed on this page.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

Complete all Department Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a C or better in each course.  Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the department requirements through SBCC.

1. Discuss the diverse needs, characteristics and multiple influences on the development of children, birth through age eight, as related to high quality care and education.
2. Using observation skills, design, implement and evaluate environments and curriculum activities that support positive, developmental play and learning for all young children.
3. Identify and implement effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children’s social learning, identity and self-confidence.
4. Recognize ethical standards and demonstrate professional behaviors that deepen understanding, knowledge and commitment to the Early Childhood Education profession

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.