The Early Childhood Education program is designed to meet the needs of individuals planning a career working with preschool aged children andor are currently working with preschool aged children. The child from birth to school age is the primary focus. Current research and practical applications are combined in order to assist students in planning their most effective role with children. Children's growth, developmentally appropriate practice, cultural diversity, family support and professional development within the ECE field are major components of the program in order to meet the varied needs of ECE students, courses are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. The program makes every effort to schedule classes to meet the diversity of students' needs and to encourage students to plan ahead in order to complete specific program requirements.<br>An Associate degree with 24 ECE units and at least 16 general education units qualifies a student for a Teacher Permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This permit is required of all teachers working in child care and development programs operating under Title 5, (state-funded programs). A grade of C or better is required in all of the courses used to satisfy the requirements for the major. A minimum of 50% of the ECE units must be taken at Skyline College in order to receive the AS degree with a major in ECE from Skyline.