Early Childhood Education is the study of the physical, social-emotional and cognitive growth and development of the child from conception through adolescence. The purpose of this major is to provide a sound academic program in child development and to prepare students to work with children and families in a variety of school and community settings. Early Childhood Education students pursue careers in early care and education, early childhood program administration; parent education; elementary school teaching; community college teaching; or work with a variety of counseling, social service and community agencies.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Child, Human Development, Education, or a “similar” major at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Theater Arts within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to the CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search website and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

To earn an AS-T in Early Childhood Education, students must complete the following

1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

a.   The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.

b.  The required coursework for the AS-T in Early Childhood Education as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.

2.   Complete all courses in the major and Cal-GETC with a grade of “C” or better or “P” if the course is taken on a "pass-no-pass" basis. Even though a “Pass/Credit" grade is allowed, it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C). Note: the UC system allows a maximum of 14 semester (21 quarter) units of courses graded "Pass/No Pass" (Credit/No Credit) toward the 60 transferable semester units required for transfer admission.

3. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.

4. Complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the Ventura County Community College District.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AS-T in Early Childhood Education will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the  major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system.  Students should consult with a counselor to obtain more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• develop the knowledge of subject matter, professional skills, and dispositions that enable them to work in the Early Education and Family Development fields and/or transfer as a Child Development (or related discipline) major.
• develop an environment that honors the diversity of the learning community through empowerment, equity, respect, and dignity.