About the Preschool Program
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.
Early childhood professionals support children’s ability to:
- Learn
- Be self-confident and have high self-esteem
- Have positive social skills
- Develop a sense of empathy
From reading and writing to math, science, and more, children at this age and stage learn how to recognize letters and numbers, as well as develop critical social skills, including the ability to work independently in a classroom. Play is a major part of that learning process, and early childhood professionals recognize that through play, children build the foundations they will need to be productive and successful at later ages.
Our Early Childhood Studies pathways prepare you to teach young children ages 0-8 in a variety of early childhood education settings, with an emphasis on working with preschool children ages 3-5. You will train to work in infant and toddler classrooms, preschool/Pre-K environments, and before- and after-school programs.
The early childhood education curriculum at Santa Monica College is the best place to start if your goal is to transfer to a 4-year college or university and work toward a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. We provide rich, experiential learning opportunities through site observations, mentoring, and tutoring under the expert guidance of our esteemed faculty.
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Program Paths
Early Childhood Education
Associate in Science for Transfer
This degree is intended for students who are interested in Early Childhood Education and are planning on transferring to a four-year university. Early Childhood Education professionals adhere to the guidelines as well as the Professional Code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for the enhancement of the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and creative domains of young children.
Early Childhood Studies
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
The Early Childhood Studies program focuses on educational practices that emphasize interpersonal relationships, cultural diversity, child-centered curriculum and the inclusion of children with special needs in all educational opportunities. The curriculum prepares students to teach or administer programs for young children that include: private early childhood programs, public programs such as school district children centers and Head Start Programs, Head Start, Infant and School Age Programs.
Early Childhood Education
Certificate of Achievement
Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the entry-level requirements for early childhood professionals working in programs regulated by the California Department of Social Services (Title 22). This certificate is designed to meet the Early Childhood Education course work, which is one of the two requirements needed to qualify for the California Child Development Associate Teacher permit.
Potential Career Options
Resources and Transfer
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer colleges/universities.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Early Childhood Lab School
Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica, in a unique partnership, have built an innovative early childhood laboratory school to serve the community while enabling teachers in-training to develop crucial expertise under the guidance of leading education professionals.
Transfers
Education and Early Childhood Education is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.