105 Skills, Education and Professional Development Associate of Applied Science Programs

The Natural Sciences represent a branch of science with multiple paths that deals with the physical world, including physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and astronomy. The Associate in Science degree in Natural Sciences will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major course requirements and the General Education requirements.

Science courses emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking, and synthesis of information. Students will practice laboratory safety, carry out experimental procedures, and identify possible sources of error. Students will learn to apply principles of scientific inquiry, differentiate a theory from a hypothesis, and differentiate fact from opinion in regard to sciences. Students will develop the connection of the relevance of science to everyday events and circumstances in a broad interdisciplinary context. For the Associate of Science, students must complete the General Education pattern and elective courses for an additional 40 units. As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to continue at the UC or CSU system should meet with a counselor to develop a transfer plan which addresses all general education and lower-division transfer requirements.

Humanities courses cover a wide range of topics and disciplines, such as film, literature, mythology, and popular culture. These courses are often multidisciplinary, combining subjects like film and psychology, or popular culture and history. Some of the courses examine particular cultures, such as Francophone, German or Latin American. Humanities courses can be a chance to delve into a topic enjoyably and creatively, as well as provide practice in many of the skills needed for required courses, particularly in critical thinking and academic writing. Some of the Humanities courses fulfill the Cultural Diversity (CD) requirement for the two-year degree.

The Early Childhood Development associate of applied science degree is a 60-credit option that prepares students with the necessary skills to be qualified for a variety of early childhood positions. The program emphasizes observation, assessment, and planning of curriculum activities to support cognitive development, fine/gross motor physical development, social and emotional development, language and literacy development, and self-help skills of children from birth through age eight. Credits earned while completing the educational requirements for the AAS articulate directly into the LC State General Studies: Education BA/BS degree option offered through the Teacher Education Division.

The Early Childhood Education program provides an educational and practical foundation for students interested in working with children from infancy through third grade. In addition to theoretical principles, the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in Early Childhood Education. The program leads to certificates in Early Childhood Education and/or an Associate of Science Degree. The EAR courses will also fulfill the required child development coursework for the state-issued Child Development Permit. Information regarding this permit and/or the Early Childhood Education Certificates are available from the Early Childhood Education Department.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer requires students to critically analyze child development theory, developmentally appropriate approaches, and instructional strategies that positively influence children’s learning and development. Students explore the importance of developmental domains and use their knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful curricula and environments that promote comprehensive developmental learning outcomes for children. Child observation, documentation, and assessment are explored as essential practices in order to develop effective curricula and interventions. The California Title 22 regulations, standards, and policies required for early care and education programs are examined. Ethical guidelines, professional practices, and advocacy are assessed to inform future practitioners of standards in the early childhood profession.

San José City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AST) degree, and various certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Graduates of the Associate in Science degree qualify through academic preparation and field experience for work in child centers, pre-schools, daycare facilities, infant and toddler centers, and other programs serving young children.

This certificate is appropriate for students interested in working as an assistant or a paraprofessional in early intervention, early childhood special education, and community child development programs serving children with special needs. In addition to theoretical principles, the curriculum offers practical skills and on-site training that will prepare students for employment in the field of Early Childhood Intervention. The program leads to a certificate in Early Childhood Intervention and/or an Associate of Science Degree. The program will also fulfill the required child development coursework for the state-issued Child Development Permit. Information regarding this permit and/or the Early Childhood Intervention Certificate is available from the Early Childhood Education Department.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in Early Childhood Education) is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education. Students will understand the importance of the family and cultural connection to the developing child.

Coursework in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program combines theory and practical experience for working with young children and their families. Courses include child development, child behavior and guidance, children with special needs, planning early childhood learning environments, planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, and working with families. Practicum courses provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to planning and presenting curriculum, and for working with children and staff in early childhood centers.

The Associate in Science, Transfer Track 1 is designed to fulfill the requirements of baccalaureate institutions for transfer with junior standing. The requirement of the degree is completion of a minimum of 90 credits with a specific number in each of English/Humanities distribution, Social Sciences distribution, Science, and Quantitative Skills courses.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for Transfer (AS-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for ECE majors (or majors that have been deemed similar in the CSU system). The AS-T degree prepares students to function in a variety of early childhood programs and services and is for students who seek to transfer to a California State University institution or to prepare for a career in early childhood education by meeting the requirements to work in public or private child care facilities.

This program prepares individuals to assist a teacher in regular classroom settings or provide instruction and supervision to special student populations, such as bilingual/bicultural students, special education students, adult learners, and students learning English. This includes instruction in techniques of general classroom supervision, maintaining order, assisting with lessons, and carrying out related assignments.

Support and teach young children in their first years of education. With a degree in Early Childhood at Jamestown Community College, you’ll be able to work in the education field with children from birth through preschool, with some opportunities through second grade.

The Individual Studies A.A.S. degree at Jamestown Community College prepares you to enter the workforce after graduation and pursue a career based on your interests and career goals. JCC students choose Individual Studies because they can study specific topics and graduate with a degree. Popular fields include: