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Early Childhood Education

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Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Early Childhood Education for Transfer

The Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Transfer provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a CSU campus, while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of early childhood education. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths.



The degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to certain California State University (CSU) campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors, and Child Life Specialists. With a BA in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the Master Teacher and Site Supervisor levels of the CA Child Development Permit, using the Alternative Qualifications category.



The Associate in Science degree in ECE for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to certain California State University campuses.



The Associate in Science degree in ECE for Transfer (A.S.-T.) may be obtained by the 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 outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses) and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth Requirements. The ECE courses required in this program are part of the CA Curriculum Alignment Project, Lower Division 8 coursework.



Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education (3) 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
Total Units: 26

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • synthesize child development research with principles and practices for early childhood teaching to create early learning environments that are respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children, from infancy through adolescence.
  • design inclusive, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments, based on child development, child observations, family information and knowledge of culturally diverse child rearing practices.
  • incorporate strategies for building respectful, reciprocal family and community relationships in order to support families with their children’s development and learning.
  • assess children's learning through observation, documentation, and interpretation, using results to guide curriculum and teaching strategies.
  • recommend developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning that include respectful, supportive relationships with children and families, and curriculum that support foundational skills and concepts in language, math, science, art, and social relationships.
  • demonstrate practices that maintain standards of health, nutrition, and safety in group care early childhood settings.
  • apply ethical standards of behavior accepted by the profession of early childhood education.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Early Childhood Education

This program provides a foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through strong general education and through introductory studies in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, age-appropriate curriculum, the child in the context of family and culture, and health and safety practices for early childhood educators.



Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 325 Positive Guidance Strategies with Young Children 3
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 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 350 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience (3)
   or ENGED 324 Introduction to Elementary Teaching with Field Experience (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
ECE 363 Music and Movement with Young Children (3)
HEED 311 Pediatric First Aid, CPR AED (1.5)
ECE 420 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 422 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting (2)
Total Units: 38

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • synthesize child development research with principles and practices for early childhood teaching to create early learning environments that are respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children, from infancy through adolescence.
  • design inclusive, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments, based on child development, child observations, family information, and knowledge of culturally diverse child rearing practices.
  • incorporate strategies for building respectful, reciprocal family and community relationships in order to support families with their children’s development and learning.
  • assess children's learning through observation, documentation, and interpretation, using results to guide curriculum and teaching strategies.
  • recommend developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant approaches to teaching and learning that include respectful, supportive relationships with children and families, and curriculum that supports foundational skills and concepts in language, math, science, art, and social relationships.
  • demonstrate practices that maintain standards of health, nutrition, and safety in early childhood settings.
  • apply ethical standards of behavior accepted by the profession of early childhood education.

Career Information

Upon completion of this degree, students possess the competencies required to work as a teacher in both private and public early care and education settings, serving infants through preschool-age children. Additionally, the individual can work as a teacher in before-and-after school programs, serving school-age children.

Certificates of Achievement

Associate Teacher Certificate

This certificate provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, age-appropriate curriculum, and the child in the context of the family and community. Additionally, there is a focus on practicing these concepts in a supervised field/lab environment. With documented work experience, the student is also eligible to apply to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
Total Units: 13

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the influence of family, community and culture on the child and identify local resource agencies that support families.
  • plan and implement developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor environments that support children's learning through play, exploration,and problem-solving.
  • build on systematic observations of children's behavior to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning activities for young children.
  • distinguish and apply positive guidance and conflict-resolution strategies that teach children self-discipline and effective, respectful social skills within a diverse group of peers.

Career Information

This certificate allows the student to work as a teacher in a private early care and education (Title 22) program, serving infants/toddlers, preschool-age children, and school-age children in before-and-after school programs. With the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit, an individual can work as an assistant or associate teacher in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program.


Children with Disabilities and Developmental Differences Specialist Certificate

This certificate provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Topics include an introduction to principles and practices in early childhood education, child development, the study of the child in the context of family and community, anti-bias curriculum, working with children with disabilities, and an introduction to communication disorders. Additionally, this certificate includes a supervised field/lab experience in an inclusive classroom which can be used towards the experience requirement for a Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Upon completion of this certificate, the individual is eligible to be a teacher in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 401 Field Experience in Inclusive Settings 1
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
SLPA 300 Introduction to Communication Disorders 3
Total Units: 22

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate and apply knowledge of typical and atypical development to create early childhood classrooms that are inclusive, developmentally appropriate, respectful, and supportive for all children.
  • design curriculum and programs for children with disabilities and developmental differences that build respectful, reciprocal family relationships and support optimal development and learning, both at home and in group care settings.
  • incorporate reflective assessment strategies using observation, documentation, and interpretation in order to guide decisions about support for children with disabilities and developmental differences.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student is eligible to be a teacher in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program. Additionally, the field experience can be used towards the experience requirement for a Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and meets the demand for early childhood educators who are trained and have experience working with children with disabilities.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist Certificate

This certificate provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Topics include an introduction to principles and practices in early childhood education, child development, the study of the child in the context of family and community, and anti-bias curriculum. Additionally, it offers a specialization in diversity, equity, and inclusion within early childhood education settings, including the study of the values, issues, and counseling needs of diverse populations, and the influences of stereotypes, bias, discrimination and inequitable systems as they relate to young children’s learning, development, and educational access. Upon completion of this certificate, the individual is eligible to be a teacher in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program. With verified work experience and the completion of ECE 320, the student is also eligible to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for an Associate Teacher Child Development Permit to work as an associate teacher in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
PSYC 365 Issues of Diverse Populations (3) 3
   or HSER 330 Issues of Diverse Populations (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education (4)
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development (3)
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs (3)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the influence of family, community, and culture on the child's development and identify ways to respond to the diversity of cultures represented in an early childhood education setting.
  • plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, anti-bias, and culturally supportive classroom environment that supports children's learning through play, exploration, and problem-solving.
  • build on systematic observations of children's behavior and the classroom environment to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate, anti-bias, and culturally supportive learning activities for young children.
  • describe and apply positive guidance and conflict-resolution strategies that teach children self-discipline and effective, respectful social skills within a diverse group of peers.
  • analyze how one's own racial and cultural background, societal beliefs, and values impact their work with children and families.
  • advocate for and promote culturally supportive, anti-bias education in the early childhood education community.
  • identify and examine specific values, beliefs, and experiences of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, developmental ability, and age.
  • identify the cognitive and emotional aspects of institutional discrimination and individual prejudice.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student is eligible to be a teacher in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program. With verified work experience, and the completion of ECE 320, the student is also eligible to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for an Associate Teacher Child Development Permit to work as an associate teacher in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program. In addition, this certificate meets the demand for early childhood educators who are trained in teaching for equity and anti-bias education.


Infant and Toddler Specialist Certificate

This certificate provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Topics include an introduction to the profession, observation techniques, and age-appropriate curriculum. Additionally, it focuses on infant and toddler development and the care of education of infants and toddlers in group settings.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
Total Units: 28

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate and apply knowledge of infant and toddler development to create infant and toddler programs that are anti-bias, relationship-based, respectful, and inclusive for children from the prenatal period through the first three years after birth.
  • design infant and toddler programs that build respectful, reciprocal family relationships and support optimal infant and toddler development and learning, both at home and in group settings.
  • incorporate reflective assessment strategies using observation, documentation, and interpretation in order to guide decisions about support for infant and toddler development and curriculum.
  • design, implement, and evaluate culturally and developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching plans that connect knowledge of academic content to meaningful learning environments for infants and toddlers.
  • demonstrate practices in maintaining health and safety standards, and managing infectious disease in group settings.
  • develop a continuing professional growth plan and advocate for public policy that supports infants, toddlers, their families, and the profession of early childhood education.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student exceeds the minimum requirements to be a teacher of infants and toddlers in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program. In addition, with verified work experience, the student is eligible to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for an Associate Teacher Permit to work as an associate teacher of infants and toddlers in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program.


Master Teacher Certificate

This certificate builds on the teacher level certificate with additional coursework on adult supervision, emphasizing the mentor's role in the development of early childhood education professionals. It also includes six units of specialized study, allowing students to select a particular focus (i.e. curriculum, infant and toddler, and children with disabilities and developmental differences). Upon completion of this certificate, with verified work experience teaching children and supervising staff, the student is eligible to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for a Master Teacher Child Development Permit to work as a lead teacher in a public (Title 5) early care and education program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting 2
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
A minimum of 16 units from the following: 16
At least one course from each of the following four areas listed in the ARC graduation requirements: (1) Math/Science: Natural Science or a course satisfying the Mathematics Competency requirement; (2) English: Language & Rationality; (3) Humanities; and (4) Social Sciences: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Subtotal Units: 47
Children with Disabilities and Developmental Differences Specialization
Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development 3
ECE 404 Children with Special Needs 3
Children with Disabilities and Developmental Differences Specialization Units: 6
Total Units: 53
Curriculum Specialization
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ECE 342 Constructive Math and Science in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECE 343 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood (3)
ECE 361 Introducing Young Children to Visual Arts (3)
ECE 363 Music and Movement with Young Children (3)
Curriculum Specialization Units: 6
Total Units: 53
Infant and Toddler Specialization
Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development 3
ECE 402 Infants with Atypical Development 3
Infant and Toddler Specialization Units: 6
Total Units: 53

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply child development principles to lead a teaching team in the design and evaluation of environments that are developmentally appropriate, anti-bias, respectful, inclusive, and supportive for all children, from infancy through adolescence.
  • design early childhood programs that build respectful, reciprocal, and culturally informed family relationships with the intention of engaging families in their children's development and learning.
  • select and utilize reflective child, program, and staff assessment tools to lead a teaching team in developing curriculum and teaching strategies.
  • demonstrate practices in maintaining health and safety standards and preventing infectious disease in group-care settings.
  • evaluate and implement curriculum and teaching plans, as evidenced through documentation, that support foundational skills and concepts in language, math, science, the arts, and social relationships.
  • apply principles and practices for curriculum and instruction that draw from current early childhood education and child development research
  • create a continuing professional growth plan and advocate for public policy that supports children and families, equity in education, and the profession of early childhood education.
  • examine the role and development of early childhood education professionals as mentors and leaders in creating and leading anti-bias early childhood education programs.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student meets the requirements for employment as a lead teacher in a privately funded (Title 22) early care and education program. In addition, with verified work experience teaching children and supervising staff, the student is eligible to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for a Master Teacher Child Development Permit to work as a lead teacher in a publicly funded (Title 5) early care and education program.


Site Supervisor Certificate

Administration of early care and education programs is the main focus of this certificate. Topics include administration, supervision and coordination of staff in early childhood settings. Additionally, it provides the educational coursework that serves as the core curriculum for the early childhood education field. Along with documented experience, this certificate leads to the Site Supervisor Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is required of those individuals supervising a publicly funded early childhood education site.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 420 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 422 Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 424 Adult Supervision: Mentoring in a Collaborative Learning Setting 2
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
A minimum of 23 units from the following: 23
A minimum of 16 units that fulfill the ARC General Education units must be completed in all four of the following areas: Language/Rationality; Humanities; Behavioral Social Science; and Math OR Science. The additional 7 units may also be courses that fulfill the General Education requirement OR any other ECE units.
Total Units: 60

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • formulate an educational philosophy to guide the operation of an early childhood program.
  • support culturally respectful interactions among children, parents, teachers and the community.
  • evaluate curriculum for sound pedagogy, content, and breadth, including planning for the learning environment, the daily routines, and the individual needs of children.
  • manage program planning, budgeting, governing boards, enrollment, and personnel in accordance with the regulations of Title 5 (California Education Code of Regulations) and Title 22 (California Social Services Code of Regulations).
  • create procedures for implementing standards of health, nutrition, and safety in group care early childhood education settings.
  • plan professional and personal growth and advocacy activities to support children, families and teachers.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate, the student exceeds the minimum requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a privately funded early care and education program. With documented experience supervising staff, the student also meets the requirements to work as a director/site supervisor in a publicly funded early care and education program.


Teacher Certificate

This certificate provides a foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through general education and through introductory studies in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Additionally, it covers culture and diversity issues in early childhood and health and safety practices. Students must verify required teaching experience to be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for issuance of the Teacher Child Development Permit.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ECE 300 Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community 3
ECE 320 Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 321 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education 4
ECE 326 Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 331 Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers 3
ECE 415 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3) 3
   or NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
A minimum of 16 units from the following: 16
At least one course from each of the following four areas listed in the ARC graduation requirements: (1) Math/Science: Natural Science or a course satisfying the Mathematics Competency requirement; (2) English: Language & Rationality; (3) Humanities; and (4) Social Sciences: Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Total Units: 45

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • confirm child development principles in creating environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children, from infancy through adolescence.
  • design early childhood programs that build respectful, reciprocal family relationships with the intention of involving families in their children’s development and learning.
  • utilize systematic child assessment strategies in order to guide decisions about curriculum and teaching strategies.
  • evaluate and implement curriculum and teaching plans, as evidenced through documentation, that support foundational skills and concepts in language, math, science, art, and social relationships.
  • demonstrate practices in maintaining health/safety standards and preventing infectious disease in group-care settings.
  • analyze principles of culturally relevant and anti-biased education in developing and analyzing early childhood curriculum and environments that respond to and respect diverse cultures and individual needs of children.
  • develop a continuing professional growth plan and advocate for public policy that supports children, families and the profession of early childhood education.

Career Information

Upon completion of this certificate and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the requirement for employment as a teacher in publicly funded early care and education programs, serving infants through preschool-age children. The student also meets the requirements to work as a teacher in a privately funded early care and education program, as well as in a before-and-after school-age program.

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

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Child Development Permits

Learn about applying for a Child Development Permit after you've completed your ECE program.

Permit Process

Child Development Center

ARC's Child Development Center provides education and care for young children and a laboratory for students preparing to become teachers in the field of early childhood education.

Child Development Center