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 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements
   2. The required coursework in the Early Childhood Education major as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. While a minimum 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.
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).
4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence at the college granting the degree.

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.