Minor in Early Childhood Development
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Development minor provides students with a foundation in early childhood education, focusing on social justice and cultural awareness. The program's core courses cover child development, early childhood principles, curriculum planning, and assessment. Students can choose from elective courses to specialize in administration, leadership, or special topics such as multiliteracies and socio-emotional development. The minor prepares students for the Child Development Permit and careers in early childhood education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Early Childhood Development minor is designed to provide undergraduate students with a concentrated exposure to the field, focusing on promoting social justice through cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in the ecological contexts of young children. The minor aims to equip students with the theoretical and applied knowledge necessary to understand child development and learning, empowering them to develop and implement evidence-based, meaningful, and challenging practices in homes, classrooms, and the community. This minor is recommended for students seeking to fulfill the requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Objectives:
- Promote and advocate for social justice, demonstrating cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness across the ecological contexts of young children (homes, schools, and communities).
- Understand and promote early childhood development and learning across various ecological contexts.
- Identify, generate, and apply inclusive and culturally sustaining strategies to support young children's development across domains.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The minor requires a total of 24 units, with a minimum of 6 upper-division units.
Course Breakdown:
- Core (18 units):
- CAD 210: Introduction to Applied Child and Adolescent Development (3 units)
- Select one of the following (3 units):
- CAD 215: Foundations in Early Childhood
- CAD 230: Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Programs
- CAD 260: Children, Families, and Community: An Ecological Perspective
- CAD 330: Curriculum and Development in Early Childhood (3 units)
- CAD 410GW: Applied Developmental Science: Prenatal Through Early Childhood - GWAR (3 units)
- CAD 420: Assessment and Observation with Children (3 units)
- Electives (6 units):
- Choose from the following:
- CAD 223: Infants, Toddlers, and Families (3 units)
- CAD 423: Administration of Programs for Young Children (3 units)
- CAD 510: Adult Supervision and Leadership in Early Childhood Programs (3 units)
- CAD 610 & CAD 611: Early Childhood Internship (2 units)
- E ED 603: Understanding and Supporting Children's Socio-Emotional Development (3 units)
- E ED 616: Multilingualism and Multiliteracies in the Early Years (3 units)
Other:
- Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in minor courses.
- Courses used to satisfy the minor requirements may be used simultaneously to fulfill general education requirements, including the complementary studies requirement.
San Francisco State University
Overview:
San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Student support services:
SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.Career services:
The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.Health and wellness services:
Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:
Engage in student organizations:
There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.Participate in cultural events:
The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.Explore the Bay Area:
SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and inclusive community:
SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.Location in the Bay Area:
SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.Commitment to social justice:
SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.Academic Programs:
SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Science and Technology:
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.Education:
Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.Other:
SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.
