Course Finder

C-ID: ECE 120.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course examines the historical contexts and theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate and best practices in early care and education for children birth through age eight. It explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. It identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. It introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children’s learning, growth, and development. This class is appropriate for students wanting to work with young children in a variety of programs, including infant-toddler, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course provides a developmental framework for planning and implementing experiences that support and extend children’s abilities to use language as a means of communication, as a medium of creative expression and as a tool in the development of logical thought. It introduces techniques for assessing children’s language skills and for developing a program to meet those needs through individual interactions and group activities. The course reviews the current research pertaining to language acquisition and pre-reading skills development within a culturally sensitive framework. Students will review children’s literature and obtain practice in story selection, reading and storytelling to young children.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course applies child development principles to the planning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for both typically and atypically developing young children. Emphasis is placed on understanding how children develop problem-solving skills and on recognizing how teachers can facilitate inquiry-discovery experiences for young children with diverse learning styles and needs. Course work includes designing, planning for, participation in, and assessment of STEM challenges. These are created through classroom design, material selection, and learning to build upon a child’s natural curiosity.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course applies child development principles to planning multicultural art, music, and movement experiences for young children. It covers the role of art, music, and movement in developing children’s physical-motor, social-emotional, and cognitive skills, with emphasis on providing conditions that encourage development of creativity and aesthetic awareness. Class work includes workshops and field experiences in planning and implementing appropriate creative experiences with young children.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course focuses on the dynamics of school-age children participating in before and after school programs. Developmentally appropriate activities for a diverse group of children between the ages of five and twelve are covered including homework and study skills. State regulations, community resources, nutrition, behavior management, program planning, environment and staff development are covered within a culturally sensitive framework. The importance of literacy is stressed throughout the course.

C-ID: CDEV 110.

IGETC Area 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and the influence of multiple societal contexts. It explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. Studies of family systems in contemporary society as they impact children and their individual heritage, diverse culture, ability and language will be examined, highlighting at least three major American cultures (Latina/o American, African American, Asian American, Native American, and European American). The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

C-ID: ECE 130.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course covers developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, observation and assessment, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas and support children’s development and learning, integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings. It explores the teacher’s role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum.

C-ID: ECE 230.

Satisfies Global Citizenship

The course examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored, as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Students will recognize and contrast the cultural and historical perspectives of at least 3 American cultural groups (Latino American, African American, Asian American, Native American and European American) to promote understanding, knowledge, and skills for educating children in a pluralistic society. Students will self-reflect on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.

C-ID: ECE 200.

• Prerequisite: PSYCH 11, ECE 2 and ECE 11, and one of the following: ECE 4, ECE 5, ECE 8, ECE 17.

This course is a supervised field experience which focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences is emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be practiced, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. Students are required to have a current TB test, a Live Scan completed at SMC, and proof of immunizations, including T-Dap, MMR, and proof of a COVID vaccine for most placement sites, prior to the course start date. Students will also be required to complete 20 days of supervised field experience at the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School (1 day equals 3 or more hours).

The hours of this course may be applied toward the Experience Requirement of the Child Development Permit Matrix.

C-ID: ECE 210.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21.

This course is a demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. The course includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Students are required to have a current TB test, Livescan completed at SMC, and proof of immunizations, including T-Dap, MMR, and proof of a COVID vaccine for most placement sites, prior to the course start date. Students will be required to complete 30 days in an instructor-approved early childhood setting, (1 day equals 3 or more hours).

The hours of this course may be applied toward the Experience Requirement of the Child Development Permit Matrix.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21 and ECE 45 and ECE 49.

In a fieldwork setting and under the supervision of an early intervention specialist, students will gain practical experience in order to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of young children with special needs and their families. Focus on evidence-based practices in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments will be stressed. Students will function in the role of an early intervention assistant in professional partnership with an interdisciplinary intervention team. Students will be required to complete 30 days (total 90 hours, 1 day equals 3 or more hours) in an early intervention program, early childhood special education setting or an early childhood setting that includes young children with special needs. Students must bring evidence of a current SMC livescan form or California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Certificate of Clearance or current CA Child Development Permit and a TB test clearance on the first day of class.

This course examines theories of development and the developmental processes focusing on children ages 3-6. Developmental benchmarks in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains are identified, as well as the multiple influences that impact children’s development. This course is designed for those working with students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and early education classrooms.

• Prerequisite: ECE 2 and ECE 24.

This course explores the appropriate use of assessments to support students’ development and learning. It covers various methods of observation and data collection, tools, and strategies including time management and legal and ethical responsibilities. The course emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan differentiated instruction, classroom environments, and to provide the basis for family partnerships. The course is designed for those working with students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and early education classrooms.

This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: Social/Emotional Development, Language/Literacy, English Language Development, Visual and Performing Arts. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or preschool, transitional kindergarten, and early education teachers.

This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: History/Social Studies, Math, Science, Health, and Physical Development. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or pre-school, transitional kindergarten, and early-primary teachers.

• Prerequisite: ECE 25 and (ECE 26 or ECE 27).

Designed for students at the end of their Transitional Kindergarten certificate program. Student teachers will participate in 36 hours of supervised clinical practice in a transitional kindergarten classroom. Student teachers will be expected to demonstrate developmentally appropriate teaching competencies, making connections between theory and practice, and professional teaching behaviors. Relationships with children and families; play-based approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as students design, implement and evaluate experiences. Students are required to possess one of the following: a valid Multiple Subject credential, current Certificate of Clearance, or a LiveScan completed at SMC. In addition, all students must show proof of negative TB test (within 365 days) and proof of immunizations.

• Prerequisite: ECE 22 or ECE 23 or ECE 28.

This course is designed for teachers working in early childhood or transitional kindergarten settings. Students examine their teaching philosophy and engage in the reflective practice cycle process. Students use a variety of instructional strategies, including purposeful play, to assess and support children’s learning and development. This course is the capstone course for the Transitional Kindergarten certificate.

This course is appropriate for classroom teachers in various settings, students will identify developmentally appropriate behaviors, challenging behaviors and the various influences that effect children’s behavior. Students will analyze children’s behaviors and select strategies to make positive changes. Emphasizes the connection between children’s social and emotional development and their success in the classroom, and how the teachers’ perceptions, experiences, and behavior influence child behaviors.

This course will enhance the capacity of early childhood educators to communicate effectively with families about development and developmental concerns. Topics covered will include an overview of typical and atypical child development, parenting and social challenges faced by families of children with special needs, the importance of developmental screening and effective communication strategies for working with families. The ultimate goal of the course is to enhance the relationships between parents and the providers who serve them.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21.
• Advisory: Experience as an early childhood teacher.

Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. This course meets the requirements of the State Department of Social Services for directors of programs under their supervision.

• Prerequisite: ECE 41.

Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course introduces students to the variations in development of individuals with special needs, with special emphasis on children ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Content includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws related to children with special needs, and identification and referral processes. The course covers various categories of disability, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, visual and hearing impairments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and giftedness.

• Advisory: PSYCH 11.

This course provides an in depth analysis of the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of infants and toddlers in the context of family. Further, it explores the crucial role that parents and family play in the day to day experiences that promote this primary relationship in a child’s life. Content covered will include assessment measures and direct observations of infants and toddlers which assist teachers and parents in the early identification of children with special needs including making appropriate referrals and providing culturally consistent care.

This course is designed to assist with planning and implementing a family childcare business serving children from birth to school-age. Aspects of family childcare from both a caregiving and business perspective will be addressed. Topics covered include the environment, guidance, self-care, curriculum, legal implications, licensing regulations, and business requirements. Another focus will be the development of a culturally sensitive and inclusive child-centered program. Effective communication methods between parents and providers as well as the connection of developmental theory to practice will be emphasized.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21.

Completing this course is one of the steps required to become a California Mentor Teacher. It does not guarantee automatic selection as a California Mentor Teacher.

Methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on reflective practice and the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires this course for Master Teacher, Site Supervisor and Program Director Permits Option One. California ECE Mentor Teacher program requires this course in order to apply to the Mentor program. As a component of course work, this class requires 4 hours of time to complete an infant/toddler or preschool live observation using a standard assessment tool and creation of a plan for mentoring.

• Prerequisite: ECE 45.

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with families. The course focuses on the use of observation and assessment, accommodations, and curriculum modifications in meeting the individual needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Content includes cultural awareness and competence, professional partnerships with families, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

In cooperation with the State Commission of Teacher Credentialing, this course will focus on the theories, research, and practical application of the Reggio Emilia Approach as applicable to early childhood education in the U.S. The key concepts of collaboration between parents, teachers and children; observation of how children construct theories; documentation and reflection of the learning process; the expanded role of the teacher as a co-constructor of knowledge, and the examination of the impact of the environment in facilitating children’s learning will be studied.

Formerly ECE 52.

This course highlights documentation as a process focusing on children’s experiences, thoughts and ideas during the course of their investigations, experiences, play, and relationship building. Documentation sharpens and focuses teacher’s own awareness of their role in further supporting children’s experiences and development. Pedagogical documentation is about the ongoing process of reflection and being intentional. Students will be introduced to the forms, tools, and uses of documentation as well as the elements by which effective documentation can make learning visible to children, parents and teachers.

Formerly ECE 53.

This course highlights the elements that can stimulate, sustain, enhance, or detract from living and learning in an early childhood classroom or outdoor space. This course includes principles of architecture and design based on the elements of Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Environments tool. The elements of the environment as they support relationships, engage senses, help create connections, promote literacy, and numeracy support problem solving, and provide intellectual and physical challenges, will be explored. In addition environments will be evaluated for elements including osmosis, sensory integration, flexibility, transparency, and narration.

The early childhood years are critical for children to gain knowledge and skills that provide the foundation for later learning. Young children learn through the interactions they have with their teachers. This course is intended to increase students’ knowledge about the vital role that teacher-child interactions play in learning and skill acquisition. Because language and early literacy skills are the gatekeepers for later school success, this course will also provide students with the knowledge they need to effectively implement language and literacy curricula through meaningful and intentional teacher-child interactions.

C-ID: ECE 220.

The course provides an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for both children and staff will be identified, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Course discussion includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health, safety, and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.

This course teaches the methods of the Hanen Centre’s “Learning Language and Loving It” research based program designed to facilitate language acquisition skills in young children. It provides students with a step-by-step approach to promoting children’s social, language and literacy development within everyday activities in early childhood settings. Students will learn how to create enriched interactive language-learning environments that include children with special needs, second language learners and those who are typically developing. This class requires students to have ongoing access to young children (any age from birth to 8) in a family child care or early childhood education program. Students will need access to a digital video camera in order to document their interactions with young children.

• Advisory: ECE 46.

This course applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. It examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months. It will include basic principles of care giving, arrangement and equipping the environment; working with other staff, parents and the community; identifying children with special needs and making appropriate referrals, and providing culturally consistent care.

This course, the study of developmentally appropriate creative movement experiences for children, gives students methods to guide creativity in the pre-K and elementary classroom and to develop dance lessons tied to specific subject areas. Students gain knowledge of the movement aspect of child development and how to use creative dance to research and teach subject matter across the pre- K and elementary curriculum. It covers the role of movement in developing children’s physical, motor, emotional, and cognitive skills, and includes workshops and field experience in planning and implementing appropriate creative experiences with young children.

ECE 75 and DANCE 75 are the same course. Students may receive credit for one but not both.

• Prerequisite: ECE 21 or three years of Early Children program experiences.

This course examines contemporary trends and issues that impact children’s healthy development and learning through the lens of environmental education and sustainability. Using a variety of industry resources, students will explore programmatic and system requirements, as well as research-based practices that enhance access to nature, environmental literacy, and healthy development in early childhood. Key topics include environmental awareness in indoor and outdoor learning environments, the relationship between play in nature and environmental behavior as adults, developing a sense of place through curricular activities that promote active learning and emphasize sustainable choice-making, and involving families and communities in the development of the outdoor learning environment. The course includes opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood education in action.

Program visits and observations will be required for successful completion of this course.

• Prerequisite: ECE 76.

This course examines the unique approach to curriculum found in nature-based early care and education programs. Students will utilize research-driven practices to assess, modify, and develop play-based indoor and outdoor environments, rooted in environmental awareness and sustainability. Key topics include the forest kindergarten approach, making connections between the indoor and outdoor learning environment, place-based education, the value of unstructured play, supporting language development in nature, conducting benefit-risk assessments, and creating nature-based learning opportunities across the developmental domains. The course will include opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood education in action.

Program visits and observation hours will be required for successful completion of this course.

This course is an introduction to teaching music classes for children ages infancy through age 6 in a group setting. Various music teaching techniques and teaching materials will be explored.

ECE 81 is the same course as MUSIC 27. Students may earn credit for one, but not both.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.