Education/Teaching
Overview
The Education/Teaching program offers Associate in Arts for Transfer degrees in Child and Adolescent Development as well as Elementary Teacher Education.
Career Options
The A.A. in Education Studies is designed for students transferring into child development program at a four-year college with the goal of teaching in the elementary schools of California.
Schedule an Appointment with Career Education
The Career Education Transitions Coordinator and Career Education Counselor are available to assist with:
- questions
- program exploration
- college applications
- educational planning
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Early Childhood Education Foundations A.A. Degree - Cal-GETC GE Map
- Early Childhood Education Foundations A.A. Degree - Local GE Map
- Teacher Education A.A. Degree - Cal-GETC GE Map
- Teacher Education A.A. Degree - Local GE Map
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Dean Paulette Lopez
-
Department Chair
Amy Strimling
Nadine Kirkpatrick - Meta Major People and Society
- Phone (916) 558-2779
- Email lopezp@scc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Child and Adolescent Development
The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer is designed to provide a clearly articulated curricular track for Sacramento City College students preparing for seamless transfer in Child Development to pursue an elementary teaching credential at the California State University.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(1) Completion of 60 semester units 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).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL C1001 | Introduction to Biology (3) | 4 |
| and BIOL C1001L | Introduction to Biology Lab (1) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| ECE 350 | Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics (4) | 4 |
| or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| Total Units: | 20 |
The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Students must show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria. Annual flu shots or physician's exemption from the flu shot are also required prior to participating in the lab or working with young children.
- Students must have the ability to pass a background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Exemptions are granted by the Department of Social Services and Commission on Teacher Credentialing on an individual basis.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- integrate the developmental theories of child development into his or her implementation of teaching practices and curriculum.
- demonstrate a broad understanding of biological, social, cognitive, and cultural factors influencing children's development and learning.
- incorporate knowledge from areas of general education into his or her knowledge base to facilitate his or her ability to teach in a multiple subject classroom.
Career Information
This Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer is designed for students transferring into Child Development with the goal of teaching in the elementary schools of California. It is aligned with the Child Development Elementary Education Pre-Credential Major.
A.A.-T. in Elementary Teacher Education
The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer is designed to meet the introductory content area subject matter for requirements for teaching at the elementary school level. The courses in this degree satisfy general education requirements for graduation at Sacramento City College and transfer. Additional requirements for the Elementary Teacher Education major may vary at each CSU. It is highly recommended that students meet with a counselor to discuss graduation and transfer requirements.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(1) Completion of 60 semester units 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 (IGETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | ||
| BIOL C1001 | Introduction to Biology | 3 |
| BIOL C1001L | Introduction to Biology Lab | 1 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 315 | Persuasion (3) | 3 |
| or COMM 316 | Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (3) | |
| or ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing (3) | |
| or ENGL C1001H | Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3) | |
| or SOC 305 | Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| ECE 350 | Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience | 3 |
| ENGED 305 | Structure of English | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or ENGL 488 | Honors College Composition and Research (4) | |
| ENGL C1003 | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature (4) | 3 - 4 |
| or HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| GEOG 320 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | 3 |
| or HIST 320 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors (3) | |
| MATH 310 | Mathematical Discovery (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics (4) | |
| or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | 3 |
| or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors (3) | |
| List A: | ||
| [ CHEM 330 | Adventures in Chemistry (4) | 4 - 7 |
| and PHYS 310 ] | Conceptual Physics (3) | |
| or [ GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| and GEOL 306 ] | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| List B: | ||
| MUFHL 305 | Music Appreciation (3) | 3 |
| or ARTH 300 | Art Appreciation (3) | |
| or TA 300 | Introduction to the Theatre (3) | |
| Total Units: | 47 - 53 | |
The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- clarify and articulate career goals of becoming an elementary school teacher.
- integrate the attitudes, actions, dispositions, and behaviors required of a professional educator into a teaching skill set.
- apply analytical reading, writing, research, and critical thinking skills to gain knowledge and teach it to others.
- demonstrate the breadth of knowledge necessary for teaching in a classroom with multiple subject areas.
Career Information
The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer enables students to transfer to a four-year college or university that accepts the degree and complete the requirements to become a credentialed K-8 Teacher. The liberal studies courses in the degree offer a broad educational foundation useful in many careers.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Early Childhood Education Foundations
This program provides preparation for employment in early care and education settings and for further study in child development. The coursework includes foundational courses in the field including the areas of typical and atypical development, the ecology of childhood, culture, and developmentally appropriate practices. Students are advised to meet with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator during the development of their education plan to learn about the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Child Development Permit process as well as the opportunities to transfer. This program was formerly known as Child Development with ECE Emphasis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 300 | Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 312 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| ECE 320 | Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education (4) | 41 |
| or ECE 327 | Supervised Practicum Field Experience For Early Care and Education Providers (4) | |
| ECE 321 | Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education (4) | 42 |
| or ECE 328 | Advanced Practicum for Worksite (4) | |
| ECE 400 | Children with Exceptional Needs (3) | 3 |
| ECE 430 | Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 93 | |
| ECE 322 | Promoting Children's Social Competence (3) | |
| ECE 326 | Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation (3) | |
| ECE 330 | Infant and Toddler Development (3) | |
| ECE 342 | Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3) | |
| ECE 343 | Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3) | |
| ECE 360 | Art and Music in Early Childhood (3) | |
| ECE 415 | Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) | |
| Total Units: | 32 | |
1ECE 327 is open to students working 30 hours or more in a licensed early care and education program.
2ECE 328 is open to students working 30 hours or more in a licensed early care and education program.
3Students interested in working with children under the age of 2 years should take an infant course.
The Early Childhood Education Foundations Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- students should be aware they will need to show proof of negative Tuberculosis as well as immunizations or immunity to Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria. Annual flu shots or physician's exemption from the flu shot are also required prior to volunteering or being employed to work with children.
- have the ability to pass a background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to employment. Exemptions are granted by the Department of Social Services and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing on an individual basis.
Enrollment Process
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- The program is open to all interested students. Students should be aware of the health, safety, and background checks required prior to employment.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- provide service in the care, development, and education of culturally and linguistically diverse children in early care and education settings.
- demonstrate knowledge of typical and atypical development of children and the many factors influencing development.
- compare and contrast developmentally appropriate educational practices with those that are inappropriate.
- evaluate and assess research, curriculum, program practices, developmental assessments, and other issues in the field of child development and early childhood education.
Career Information
Students receiving an A.A. degree in Child Development are eligible for employment in the diverse early care and education field. Students who successfully complete this program may serve as educators in classrooms or as employees in other settings that require knowledge of child development and best practices in early care and education. This degree prepares students for further study in child development by offering foundational theoretical courses. Upon completion of this degree, students would be eligible for the Child Development Permit at the Teacher Level.
A.A. in Teacher Education
This program is to prepare students to transfer into a teacher preparation program. The focus of the preparation is for a credential in multiple subject teaching in the elementary schools. The program offers courses focused on teaching as well as a portion of the required general education courses necessary to prepare for transfer into a teacher preparation program at a four year college.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL C1001 | Introduction to Biology (3) | 4 |
| and BIOL C1001L | Introduction to Biology Lab (1) | |
| COMM 361 | The Communication Experience | 3 |
| ECE 312 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| ECE 350 | Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience | 3 |
| ECE 400 | Children with Exceptional Needs (3) | 4 |
| and ECE 401 | Field Experience in Inclusive Settings (1) | |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EDUC 342 | Introduction to Bilingual Education | 3 |
| ENGED 305 | Structure of English | 3 |
| ENGED 320 | Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or ENGL 488 | Honors College Composition and Research (4) | |
| ENGL 301 | College Composition and Literature (3) | 3 |
| or ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing (3) | |
| or ENGL C1001H | Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | 6 |
| and GEOG 306 | Weather and Climate (3) | |
| HEED 300 | Health Science | 3 |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 | 3 |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | 3 |
| or HIST 320 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors (3) | |
| MATH 310 | Mathematical Discovery | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | 3 |
| or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors (3) | |
| Total Units: | 62 - 63 |
The Teacher Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Ability to pass the Criminal Record Clearance or receive an exemption proving eligibility to work with children
- Test negative for tuberculosis
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- understand and identify requirements, expectations, and dispositions required in the teaching profession.
- apply child development theory to their work with children, integrating theory of development in the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social domains into their teaching practices.
- demonstrate and apply culturally sensitive, anti-bias, equity based practices in interactions with children and families.
- build a knowledge base in a number of general education topics necessary for teaching multiple subjects in the elementary school setting.
Career Information
This program is specifically designed to introduce students to the teaching profession in elementary school. Students completing the program would have the ability before transfer to work in before and after school programs for school age children.
Education Studies (EDUC) Courses
EDUC 299 Experimental Offering in Education Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span
- Same As:PSYC 370
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID PSY 180
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Students will study the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans from conception through the life span. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and practical application of developmental principles including atypical aspects of development. Major developmental theories concerning life span development will be studied. Topics from conception to death will be presented including conception, prenatal development, prenatal developmental complications, physical, cognitive, social, emotional developmental, and developmental issues. Included in these broad developmental areas are learning, brain development, personality, morality, and societal influences on development. Atypical development and challenges to optimal development will be included. The course also examines end of life issues and bereavement. This is a foundational course for careers in the educational, social, psychological, and medical fields. Students may receive credit for only one of these courses: EDUC 300, FCS 324, or PSYC 370.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify developmental factors that are influenced by heredity and environment including those that lead to atypical and neurodivergent development.
- explain how the scientific method can be used to evaluate research in life span development.
- synthesize the research on the influence of nature and nurture on development.
- analyze physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development throughout the lifespan.
- examine cultural factors that shape development and influence values, attitudes, and beliefs.
- analyze a major life event or time period based on life span theories.
EDUC 342 Introduction to Bilingual Education
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is an introduction to the study of the education of bi/multilingual students in California and the United States. It includes the history, relevant legislation, first and second language acquisition theories, practices, and strategies for the development of English proficiency. The course involves observations and tutoring of English Language Learners using materials and strategies responsive to the students' primary language and assessed levels of English proficiency. This course meets the bilingual requirement for acceptance in a credential program in California
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain the historical, political, and legal development of bilingual education in the United States, including mandates for English Learners such as California's Proposition 227 and Proposition 58 and their impact on current practices and provisions for bilingual education.
- analyze linguistic development, first and second language acquisition, and the interconnection of first language literacy to second language development.
- identify and critique different program models of bilingual education instruction and their relationship to state English Language Development and English Language Arts content standards and framework.
- analyze elements of public school curriculum and instruction that effect the achievement of language minority students, including strategies to build on the strengths of bilingual students' first language, family backgrounds, and experiences.
- identify the assessment measures for English Learners, including the purposes, content, and uses of the California English Language Development Standards and English Learner Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC).
- appraise the attitudes of policy makers, educators, and the public towards bilingual education as well as examine and discover personal attitudes towards bilingual education and second language learners.
EDUC 360 Working with the School-Age Child
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ECE 312 and 350 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Students will investigate the fundamentals of planning and implementing programs for the before- and after-school care of school-age children (K-6). Emphasis will be placed on day-to-day program planning, instructional strategies, research on developmental levels of the school-aged child, as well as age-appropriate activities. Students will explore topics such as cooperative learning, STEM/STEAM, problem solving, literacy, and other curriculum content areas.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the developmental levels of children in grades K-6 and implement those concepts into lessons and programs for the school-age child.
- develop schedules and lessons for school-aged child care.
- compare and contrast the differences in programs for children of preschool age and those of school age.
- synthesize the stages and characteristics of the school-aged child into the development of engaging, age appropriate curriculum.
- investigate, analyze, and integrate children's interests and abilities into developing age-appropriate curriculum planning and implementation of activities.
- evaluate and apply appropriate guidance strategies for school-age children in a group setting.
EDUC 499 Experimental Offering in Education Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
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