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Global and Human Studies

Early Childhood Education

Upcoming Courses

Early Childhood Education is a profession full of purpose and personal reward. Get inspired by making a difference in young children’s lives.

En español

Early Childhood Education provides many types of career opportunities for working with children and their families. The Early Childhood professional provides care and education for young children and plays a significant role in supporting families and the community. Children who attend high-quality early childhood education programs are more likely to be ready for school and for life.

In a short time, you can become one of the high quality professionals working with young children today.

Earning one of our 11 certificates or two associates in science degrees opens up a wide array of career opportunities. We prepare you for an inspiring career working with children and their families.

The Early Childhood Education Department at Cabrillo College offers an occupational and transfer program which deepens understanding of children, their families, and the teaching and learning process. We offer strong support for students, including providing internships and partnerships with employers and are committed to our students’ successful outcomes.

ECE courses are offered in Spanish and in-person at the Watsonville Center each fall and spring by our esteemed bilingual faculty.
For details about ECE’s special orientation at the Watsonville Center, check back on the website prior to the start of each semester

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Our program offers:

Career opportunities include becoming a:

  • preschool teacher

  • infant/toddler caregiver

  • site supervisor

  • family child care/small business owner

  • nanny

  • parent educator

  • classroom teacher in elementary, transitional kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, and special education

  • teaching assistant

  • resource specialist

  • after school

  • paraeducators

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Cabrillo College Children’s Center & Lab School

Crucial to our mission of educating and preparing the Early Care workforce is our relationship with the on-site Cabrillo College Children’s Center & Lab School (CCCC&LS). This program serves infants, toddlers, and preschool age children, and it provides a model program of high quality care for children and their families and for Early Childhood Education student observers. The Infant and Toddler classrooms of the CCCC&LS were the original demonstration sites for the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC).

Would you like to get more information about this program?

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Fall 2024 ECE Featured Courses

Gain the in-depth knowledge and skills you need to grow a rewarding career. Take classes toward your permit, certificate, degree, or professional development. We offer flexible class options to fit your schedule!

View Aptos Flyer | View Watsonville Flyer

ECE 31 & ECE 131* | Child Growth & Development | Aptos & Watsonville | View Class

ECE 32 & ECE 142* | Child, Family & Community | Aptos | View Class

ECE 51 | Principles of Working with Young Children | Aptos | View Class

ECE 53 | Intro to Curriculum for the Young Child | Aptos | View Class

ECE 135 | Infant Toddler Program Development | Aptos & Watsonville | View Class

ECE 401A* | Introducción al Desarrollo Infantil A (matriícula gratis) | Watsonville | View Class

ECE 401B* | Introducción al Desarrollo Infantil B (matriícula gratis) | Watsonville | View Class

*If you don't need to earn college credit, you can take this class for FREE by registering for the NONCREDIT version of this class. Learn more about noncredit classes and certificates or visit the Cabrillo College Noncredit Application for more details.

Intern teachers refine their skills of how to connect and build strong relationships as they guide children’s behavior in positive ways.
Go from Cabrillo to Career with Early Childhood Education!
Classes start on August 26!