Education and Child Development

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Program Spotlight

The EDU CD academic program can prepare you for a rewarding career in education, working in a variety of settings with children and families.

Find out about course offerings, degrees and certificates, workforce and career information, college and community events as well as available scholarship opportunities. 

Testimonial

Michelle, ECE studentThe Education/Child Development program has helped me figure out everything I needed to accomplish my goals.  All of the staff were helpful & truly want to see me grow.  I was able to get my education while getting real experience with children.  The program has helped me grow into the teacher I am today."Michelle

Check out the Early Childhood Education classes offered in upcoming semesters.

Check out the class schedule

The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP) Learning Community is a tuition-free, accelerated academic and registered apprenticeship program designed to engage and support your career in Education.

The ECAP provides you with:

  • an Associate Degree for Transfer in Early Childhood Education,
  • paid on-the-job training, and
  • eligibility for Child Development Permits.

The Skyline College Child Development Laboratory Center (CDLC) is a laboratory program that provides a comprehensive child care and early education program for students, staff, and faculty of the San Mateo County Community College District and community members.  The CDLC serves three interrelated purposes:

  • Provide quality child care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children that support school readiness,
  • Promote access to higher education by providing a service to student-families so that they can pursue their educational and vocational goals,
  • Provide opportunities for Early Childhood Education students to study children in a naturalistic setting to further their learning and knowledge of child development and working with young children.
CDLC Website

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Analyze major developmental milestones and various theoretical frameworks that relate to early care and education to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the early years as well as the many influences on development
  • Identify best teaching and care practices and the components of early childhood settings, curriculum, and teaching strategies to increase child growth and competence.
  • Assess the interrelationship of child, family, and community and how educational, political, socioeconomic factors directly impact the lives of children and families.
Office Information

Location: Building 8-8317B or Building 14
Email: amaralm@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4304

Summer 2024 Courses  |  Fall 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 54672 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 54672 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 55650 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Eljarrari, T
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 55650 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Eljarrari, T
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 55660 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Adams, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 201 - 55660 - Child Development
ECE. 201 CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Examination of the major physical, psychosocial and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors, While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Also listed as PSYC 201. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3, E1).

TBA Adams, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 210 - 52085 - Early Child Ed Principles
ECE. 210 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PRINCIPLES (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Overview of the history, nature, and goals of Early Childhood Education. Exploration of various program models in ECE, current issues, and long-range trends. Qualifications and training required for teachers of young children. Transfer credit: CSU.

TBA Browne, K
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 210 - 52085 - Early Child Ed Principles
ECE. 210 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PRINCIPLES (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
Overview of the history, nature, and goals of Early Childhood Education. Exploration of various program models in ECE, current issues, and long-range trends. Qualifications and training required for teachers of young children. Transfer credit: CSU.

TBA Browne, K
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 211 - 55886 - Early Child Ed Curriculum
ECE. 211 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CURRICULUM (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
An overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age 8. Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment strategies emphasizing the essential role of play. An overview of content areas will include, but not be limited to, language and literacy, social and emotional learning, sensory learning, art and creativity, and math and science. Transfer credit: CSU.

TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 211 - 55886 - Early Child Ed Curriculum
ECE. 211 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CURRICULUM (3)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
An overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age 8. Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment strategies emphasizing the essential role of play. An overview of content areas will include, but not be limited to, language and literacy, social and emotional learning, sensory learning, art and creativity, and math and science. Transfer credit: CSU.

TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 212 - 51842 - Child, Family & Community
ECE. 212 CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY (3)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
An overview of contemporary family and community issues influencing childhood. Interactions among the child, family, school, peers, media, and the community are explored. The course focuses on the socialization process, including cultural and ethnic diversity, parenting styles, gender roles, and the role of the community. Community resources available to children and families are also covered. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3).

TBA Krishna, S
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 212 - 51842 - Child, Family & Community
ECE. 212 CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY (3)
Hours/semester: 48-54 lecture. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent.
An overview of contemporary family and community issues influencing childhood. Interactions among the child, family, school, peers, media, and the community are explored. The course focuses on the socialization process, including cultural and ethnic diversity, parenting styles, gender roles, and the role of the community. Community resources available to children and families are also covered. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3).

TBA Krishna, S
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 242 - 56146 - Adult Supervision in ECE/CD
ECE. 242 ADULT SUPERVISION AND MENTORING (2)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)

Hours/semester: 32-36 lecture. Prerequisite: ECE. 201, ECE. 210, and ECE. 212, or equivalent. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent, plus the 12 ECE core units.
Study of the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, assistant teachers, parents, and volunteers in ECE education settings. Emphasis is on the role of classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers, while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Although this course is open to all students, it is specifically designed for those needing to meet state licensing requirements for ECE Masters Teachers, Site Directors, and Program Directors. Transfer credit: CSU.
TBA Lujan, D
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 242 - 56146 - Adult Supervision in ECE/CD
ECE. 242 ADULT SUPERVISION AND MENTORING (2)
(Pass/No Pass or letter grade.)

Hours/semester: 32-36 lecture. Prerequisite: ECE. 201, ECE. 210, and ECE. 212, or equivalent. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 846 or ESOL 400, or equivalent, plus the 12 ECE core units.
Study of the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, assistant teachers, parents, and volunteers in ECE education settings. Emphasis is on the role of classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers, while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Although this course is open to all students, it is specifically designed for those needing to meet state licensing requirements for ECE Masters Teachers, Site Directors, and Program Directors. Transfer credit: CSU.
TBA Lujan, D
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 901 - 56319 - Child Development (Apprentice)
ECE. 901 Child Development (Apprenticeship)

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3, 9E1
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D; Area E1), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: CDEV 100
TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 901 - 56319 - Child Development (Apprentice)
ECE. 901 Child Development (Apprenticeship)

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3, 9E1
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D; Area E1), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: CDEV 100
TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 910 - 56325 - ECE Principles(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 910 Early Childhood Education Principles (Apprenticeship)

Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. 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.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 120
TBA Browne, K
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 910 - 56325 - ECE Principles(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 910 Early Childhood Education Principles (Apprenticeship)

Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. 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.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 120
TBA Browne, K
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 911 - 56327 - ECE Curriculum(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 911 Early Childhood Education Curriculum (Apprenticeship)

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children?s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children?s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 130
TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 911 - 56327 - ECE Curriculum(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 911 Early Childhood Education Curriculum (Apprenticeship)

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children?s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children?s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 130
TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 911 - 56327 - ECE Curriculum(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 911 Early Childhood Education Curriculum (Apprenticeship)

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children?s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children?s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 130
T TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 911 - 56327 - ECE Curriculum(Apprenticeship)
ECE. 911 Early Childhood Education Curriculum (Apprenticeship)

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children?s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children?s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Grade Option (Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass)
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: ECE 130
T TBA Watts, J
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 912 - 56328 - Child/Family/Commu(Apprentice)
ECE. 912 Child, Family and Community (Apprenticeship)

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: CDEV 110
TBA Krishna, S
Online Class IN
PROGRESS
ECE. 912 - 56328 - Child/Family/Commu(Apprentice)
ECE. 912 Child, Family and Community (Apprenticeship)

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: This course is specific for students who have been accepted into the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP).
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: CDEV 110
TBA Krishna, S

The college course catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

View the Full Course Catalog

The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP) Learning Community is a tuition-free, accelerated academic and registered apprenticeship program designed to engage and support your career in Education.

The ECAP provides you with:

  • an Associate Degree for Transfer in Early Childhood Education,
  • paid on-the-job training, and
  • eligibility for Child Development Permits.

Through a designated course sequence, you are supported by a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and integrated college and community resources through the Education and Child Development Department (EDU-CD). We are here to help you succeed! With an emphasis on current research and the changing landscape and trends in education, you will participate in supportive group-based learning, and academic and career success strategies, including contextualized mathematics for teachers. We ask that you can enroll in 6-12 units per semester depending on your unique education and employment needs through the completion of the ECAP.

young teacher sits on the floor and plays blocks with young children

While taking classes, you are mentored in your job placement with increased wages as you achieve entry-level to advanced teacher competencies, with guaranteed employment upon your completion of the apprenticeship. We ask that you can work at least 20 hours per week or more in an early learning setting to meet the registered apprentice requirement of on-the-job training. 

As you progress through your courses and on-the-job training, you become eligible for Child Development Permits from the Associate Teacher to the Master Teacher level. Master Teacher Permit specializations include Infant-Toddler and Special Needs Certificates. We have staff available to assist you in applying for your permits.

In addition to being a tuition-free degree and apprenticeship program, we have both college and community scholarships, grants, and stipends that you may be eligible to receive to support starting or advancing your career in education.

young teacher sits on the floor and plays blocks with young children

Still have questions about ECAP?
Contact Michelle Amaral, EDU-CD Program Services Coordinator, at amaralm@smccd.edu

Apply to ECAP

Primary Contacts

Michelle Amaral
Michelle Amaral (Program Services Coordinator)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
amaralm@smccd.edu More details »
Tina (Jacinda) Watts
Tina (Jacinda) Watts (Professor, Department Coordinator)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
wattst@smccd.edu More details »

Department Faculty & Staff

James Adams
James Adams (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
adamsjames@smccd.edu More details »
Kathryn Browne
Kathryn Browne (Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
brownek@smccd.edu More details »
Teresa Campbell
Teresa Campbell (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
campbellt@smccd.edu More details »
Elaine Francisco
Elaine Francisco (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
franciscoe@smccd.edu
BLDG 14
More details »
Lisa Kiesselbach
Lisa Kiesselbach (Assistant Professor)
Business, Design and Workforce-Education and Human Development
kiesselbachl@smccd.edu More details »
Sue Krishna
Sue Krishna (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
krishnas@smccd.edu
More details »
Daina Lujan
Daina Lujan (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
lujand@smccd.edu More details »
Thomas Rodriguez
Thomas Rodriguez (Instructor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
rodriguezt@smccd.edu More details »
Sujatha Venkataraman
Sujatha Venkataraman (Assistant Professor)
Business, Education and Professional Programs-Education | Child Development
venkataramans@smccd.edu
BLDG 08-8307
More details »