Contact the Department
Cristina Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant
- Email: gonzalez_cristina15@smc.edu
- Phone: 310-434-8109
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Response Time: 48 hours
Gary Huff, Department Chair
- Email: huff_gary@smc.edu
- Phone: 310-434-8280
Our Mission
The SMC Education/Early Childhood Program prepares students for careers in early care and education, including transfer to a four-year college/university. In collaboration with high quality community partners, we offer coursework, mentoring, and field experiences that build student's capacity for integrating interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, critical thinking, inquiry driven practice, and advocacy to teach and support children, families, and the early care community.
Our Values
Our program value the diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, identities, and aspirations of our students. We acknowledge structural inequities that privilege some and disadvantage others. We engage students as collaborators in identifying inequitable practices and replacing them with those that advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in early care and education, so that they in turn can advance equitable learning opportunities and outcomes for themselves and the children and families they will serve.
Student Handbook
The Education/Early Childhood Student Handbook is full of tools and information that will be useful to you, whether you are just beginning in our program, making steady progress through your pathway, getting ready to dive into hands-on fieldwork experiences, or nearing the end of your journey with us at SMC.
Programs of Study
Infant & Toddler Teacher
Embark on a rich path of growth and professional development in our Early Childhood Education Infant & Toddler program. Infant and toddler professionals work in early childhood education centers, child development facilities and family child care homes.
Degree Information
Preschool Assistant & Teacher (Transfer Pathway Available)
Make a difference in children’s lives during key stages of growth and development. Preschool, or pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) is an early childhood education program that provides care and education to children between the ages of 3-5 years.
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Earn a multi-subject credential and immerse yourself in an interactive, experiential learning environment that trains you to teach Transitional Kindergarten or TK.
Elementary Teacher Education (Transfer Pathway)
The perfect fit if you plan to transfer and complete a Liberal Studies Degree and a multiple-subject teaching credential for a career as an Elementary School Teacher.
Early Intervention Assistant
Our specialized early childhood intervention program equips you with the knowledge, tools, and experience you need to teach from a culturally sensitive and family-focused perspective. We emphasize strengths-based learning for individuals across all abilities and backgrounds.
Nature-based Pedagogy
This unique program provides a foundation in environmental education and stewardship for early educators through the lens of developmentally appropriate nature-based practices. Explore nature focused activities through the principles and practices of the Forest Kindergarten movement and learn how to create, manage, and promote a high quality outdoor learning environment for children.
Child & Adolescent Development (Transfer)
The Child and Adolescent Development degree is designed for students who intend to work with children, youth and their families in social work, community-based settings, in preparation for elementary or secondary education services, counseling, developmental psychology and non-profit agencies.
Skill Building (Noncredit)
Free skill building classes provide job training and can serve as a first step toward pursuing a certificate of achievement or associate degree at SMC.
Gainful Employment Information
We invite you to join our LinkedIn Group: SMC Education/Early Childhood Department