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.
