Welcome to Early Childhood Studies!

Are you fascinated by the learning, playing, and developing minds of young children and have a passion to make a positive impact? Then the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies is for you!

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies (ECS) prepares CI students to work effectively with young children from birth through eight years of age and their families. Our program develops the knowledge and skills necessary to work with the youngest community members, including the embedding of substantive training in language acquisition and literacy for early childhood Dual Language Learners across the program. In completing the major, ECS students acquire the competencies to serve both typically and atypically developing young children within the natural settings of home, community, and schools.

The academic program offers core curricula and fieldwork in early childhood development and pedagogy while highlighting family engagement in the context of family, culture, language, and society.

Upon completion of the BA in Early Childhood Studies, graduates are eligible for the Child Development Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Students participate in field experiences with:

infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years)
preschool children (3-5 years)
transitional kindergarten (4-5 years)
primary grades (kindergarten to 3rd grade)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students are qualified to teach in and administer programs serving young children (with and without disabilities) from birth through eight and their families.
Students actively engage children in their learning.
Students are able to teach all subjects in their area of specialty and link content to pedagogy.
Students acknowledge and support diversity of languages and cultures in and among children and families.
Students meet the diverse needs of all children including those with special needs.
Students are reflective and deliberative practitioners, integrating research, theory, and effective practices into their teaching.

Apply to CSUCI

Important Information

*Please contact us if you are uncertain of which catalog to follow to complete your program requirements.

ECS Newsletter Archive

Visit our newsletter archive for news, updates, scholarship opportunities, student teaching information, job openings, program announcements, and more.

Contact Us

Dr. Mari Riojas-Cortez
Professor & Program Chair
mari.riojas-cortez@csuci.edu
Faculty Biography

Advising

Karla Anderson
Academic Advisor, Early Childhood Studies and Liberal Studies
karla.anderson@csuci.edu

Advising is only for current CI students. For any prospective students interested in applying to CI, please contact admissions@csuci.edu or 805-437-8520.

Current CI students are able to schedule an advising appointment by logging into their myCI portal to access Dolphin Navigate or using the following link: http://csuci.campus.eab.com/

Drop-in Advising is available for current students for quick 5-10 minute advising consultations. Visit on the following link for the schedule and additional details: https://www.csuci.edu/advising/advisor/drop-in-advising.htm

CSUCI offers a wonderful program of Early Childhood Studies. The ECS instructors will provide you with the knowledge, skills and passion that reflects their outstanding qualities and at the same time working with young children and families. What I loved from the program was having the opportunity to design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with children from birth through eight years of age.
Arnulfo Munoz