Early Childhood Studies at Sonoma State University

Before declaring the ECS major or minor, meet with an ECS Advisor to learn more about the program.

Welcome to the Department of Early Childhood Studies at Sonoma State University.

The Department of Early Childhood Studies (ECS) provides a high-quality curriculum that is committed to improving early childhood services and education and to advocating for social justice equity for all young children and their communities.

The ECS Department houses the following programs:

Early Childhood Studies Major (BA degree)
Early Childhood Studies Minor
Education Minor
Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
PK-3 Early Childhood Specialist Credential program (Note: Program pending approval by the authorizing state agency, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing [CTC]. Please check this website for updates.)

Mission Statement

The Department of Early Childhood Studies prepares knowledgeable and caring professionals who are committed to contributing to a just society through high-quality education and social service for all children and families.

Children playing on campus

Early Childhood Professional playing with four children sitting around a table

Early Childhood professional playing with children

Early Childhood Professional playing with a Child

Early Childhood professional talking to child

Students working in Early Childhood course

Students working on activity in EDEC 490 Outdoor Curriculum course

Two preschool children riding together on a bike

Children on a bike at the Lattice Education Achievement Preschool

Student helping glue the recycle bots for children

Student helping children create Recycle Bots with recycled materials

Children playing with dolls at The Children's School

Programs We Offer

Major in Early Childhood

Early Childhood Professional playing with two children using car toys

Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization

MA in Early Childhood Education

Minor in Early Childhood

First Year Learning Community

Children Playing in front of Lucy Statue on SSU Campus

Transfer Students

College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies Nondiscrimination Policy

California State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity (including color, caste and ancestry), religion (or religious creed), and veteran or military status in all education programs and activities operated by the University (both on and off campus), including admissions, retention, graduation and the awarding of credentials – as these terms are defined in Interim CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation in its programs and activities, including admission and access. Federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Equity in Higher Education Act, prohibit such discrimination. Please see SSU's Catalogue for a complete statement of the School's Nondiscrimination Policy.