FAQs
Q. How do I become an Early Childhood Professional?
A. There are many pathways in working with young children. California Licensing regulations
require that you have 12 units in ECE before you can become a teacher fully responsible
for caring for children. Those specific requirements are Principles and Practices
(ECE 100), Child Growth and Development (ECE 101), Child, Family, and Community (ECE
102), and Curriculum (ECE 104). There are additional qualifications for those who
will be training to work with infants and toddlers or in a funded program. In addition,
employers have the option to determine their minimum qualifications for hiring.
Our coursework is designed to help students explore their options in the diverse field of early childhood.
Q. Do you offer any certificates/degrees?
A. We currently have several certificates that you can earn as well as an Associates Degree for Transfer in ECE.
Q. How long does the program take to complete?
A. Full time students can complete our program in two years. It is possible to be a
part time student. How many classes you take per semester will determine how long
it will take you to finish the program.
Q. When and where are classes offered?
A. Classes are offered at both the COC Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. Classes
are offered mornings, afternoons, and in the evening as well as online.
Q. Do I have to be a registered College of the Canyons students to attend?
A. Yes, our program is a College of the Canyons Instructional Program.
Registration for College of the Canyons can be done by visiting the My Canyons page
from the COC main page. After being redirected to the My Canyons page, click the Student
section. You will be redirected to a new page. Click the Submit Application for Admission
located under the Student Services section. Follow the onscreen directions to apply.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Since we are a part of College of the Canyons, our classes are priced per unit. College of the Canyons current per unit fee is $46. An estimated total cost of the program is between $2,000 and $5,000*. Please refer to Financial Aid for additional information.
* Actual cost depends on California Community College tuition and other costs for finalized program.
Q. Does the program help with job placement?
A. Yes, we have multiple employers in the area who send us job postings as well as our annual job fair that is dedicated to ECE students.
Q. How long are the classes?
A. Most of our classes are semester long, but we do offer classes both short term and online for students who need variation in their schedules. Check out COC's current course schedule.
Q. I already have college credits or an associate and/or bachelors degree in a related
or non-related field. Do I still need another degree?
A. You will need to complete the required units to be a fully qualified teacher of young
children, but you will not need to take general education classes. It would be best
to set up an appointment with the department chair to gain a clearer picture of what
will be required of you in terms of coursework.
Q. Can I come and visit the facilities?
A. We would love to have you come and visit our program. You can contact Jennifer Paris,
Department Chair, to set up a time to visit. Email is jennifer.paris@canyons.edu.
Q. What additional resources are available to me as a student of Early Childhood Education?
A. We have several agencies that we are able to connect you with to support you as you
study in our department. You can refer to our Helpful Links page.
Don't see an answer to your question? Contact the Early Childhood Education department at jennifer.paris@canyons.edu.
