The Associate in Arts degree in Elementary Education (Pre-Professional) is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree and multiple subject teaching credential. Completion of the courses in this degree will partially satisfy the requirements for California State University integrated and traditional teacher preparation programs. The courses are part of the curriculum that can be started at the community college and completed at the university. The curriculum is designed for students who seek the pre-professional subject matter preparation for elementary school teaching consistent with the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Additionally, the degree curriculum may also serve as preparation for paraprofessional positions in the K-12 classroom setting by satisfying unit requirements as established by law.

Learning Outcome(s):

✓ Students will demonstrate a knowledge base of theory specific to childhood (1st-6th grade) education.

✓ Students will apply the knowledge base of theory to practice through thoughtful reflections on classroom observations.

✓ Students will understand and be conversant about the main philosophical and sociological ideas and trends that have influenced education as well as be able to analyze their application and importance for teaching today.

The Associate of Science degree in Accounting prepares students for entry-level positions and promotional opportunities in accounting and administrative departments of businesses in public and private sector areas such as manufacturing, merchandising, financial service, wholesale trades, and government. Specialized training in accounting and finance principles and practices enables students to maintain accounting records and develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. Promotional opportunities include higher-level responsibilities in these areas and the areas of general ledger, financial statement preparation and financial statement analysis.

The Associate in Arts in Child Development - Emphasis in School Age Care and Recreation is designed to prepare instructional and classroom master teachers to serve as paraprofessional members of the teaching team and/or teachers in school-age child care. Students are offered knowledge about the development of the school-age child and the role of the adult in helping to integrate skills and aid classroom learning.

In addition to the Child Development coursework, students must also complete the general education requirements and complete work experience with young children (175 days of 3 hours per day within 4 years). See Child Development faculty members for assistance.

This degree prepares students for transfer​​ to a 4-year university to obtain a bachelor's degree. Students​ who earn this degree should apply for the Certificate of Achievement in School Age Care and Recreation and the California Teacher’s Permit (see Child Development faculty members for assistance).

Learning Outcome(s):

✓ Students will demonstrate a knowledge base of the development of school-aged children.

✓ Students will apply the knowledge base of theory to practice through thoughtful reflections on classroom observations.

✓ Students will understand and be conversant about the main philosophical and sociological ideas and trends that have influenced education as well as be able to analyze their application and importance for teaching today.

​​The Associate in Arts in Child Development – Emphasis in Preschool Care and Development provides students with knowledge about the comprehensive development of young children ages 3 to 5 years old. Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and how to create and implement a high-quality classroom for young children. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. In addition to the 36.5 units of Child Development coursework, students must also complete the general education requirements. This degree prepares students for transfer to a 4-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Refer to the Graduation Requirements or the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses that meet the general education requirement. Contact Career Technical Education (CTE) counselors at SAC for additional assistance in planning your early childhood profession (714-564-6254).

​​​​​​​The Associate in Arts in Child Development – Infant/Toddler Teacher degree program provides students with a specialized focus on the unique strengths and needs of infants and toddlers. Students will study the comprehensive development of the young child, from birth to three years, with a focus on understanding current brain research and best caregiving practices. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. In addition to the 365 units of Child Development coursework, students must also complete the general education requirements. This degree prepares students for transfer to a 4-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Refer to the Graduation Requirements or the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses that meet the general education requirement. Contact Career Technical Education (CTE) counselors at SAC for additional assistance in planning your early childhood profession (714-564-6254). Students who earn this degree should apply for the Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate and the California Teacher’s Permit. In order to qualify for the degree, certificate and permit, a student must also have work experience with young children (175 days of 3 hours per day within 4 years). See Child Development faculty members for assistance.

​The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in Early Childhood Education) prepares students to move into the CSU system leading to a baccalaureate degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education or Child and Adolescent Studies. Please consult a counselor regarding specific course requirements for your transfer institution. Completion of the AS-T in Early Childhood Education degree also provides guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system, along with priority admission to the local CSU, Fullerton, in the Child and Adolescent Development major See SAC course catalog for a list of additional requirements for all Associate in Arts for Transfer (A.A.-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (A.S.-T) degrees. Upon completion of the AS-T in Early Childhood Education, students will have a general understanding of the main developmental theories as they pertain to the development, care, and education of young children. Additionally, students will have the capacity to evaluate and plan curriculum and environments for children based on observation of their physical, cognitive, emotional, social and creative characteristics.

The Catering and Special Events Associate of Science degree is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of employment opportunities within catering operations such as catering managers, catering chefs and head cooks, catering cooks, and catering business owners. In addition, the program also offers coursework for professional improvement. Students will be provided with the essential skills of sanitation, foundational cooking and baking, operations, and production to reach their career goals and to be competitive in the marketplace. Students are required to follow Culinary Department dress standards.

The Business Management Associate Degree program prepares students with the key competencies and concepts related to positions involving leading, planning, organizing, directing, controlling, making decisions. Positions that need these skills include office, recreation, inventory, production, schedule, and other management and management assistant positions across a wide range of industries. The program prepares new employees for such positions and upgrades the skills of employees already holding such positions. The curriculum in the Business Management Associate Degree program is designed to provide students the opportunity to achieve an Associate degree. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers in business, earning the Associate degree would demonstrate achievement and may support attempts to gain entry-level employment or promotion.

This Business Leadership Associate of Science degree program develops leadership skills needed for success in business careers through effective communications, problem-solving techniques, decision making, and managing resources and meetings. Topics also include economic, sociocultural, and technological trends, making ethical decisions, and motivating others. Some jobs that apply the skills learned in this degree include first-line supervisors, department, production, or plant supervisors, operations supervisors and managers, project managers, and assistants for these positions across various industries of interest.

The Business Data Analytics and Database Associate of Science degree prepares students for various rapidly evolving information technology-related data analytics degrees. Analytics (analysis of data) and database (data organization) are two high-demand careers. The core requirements of the degree introduce students to high-demand critical evolving data technologies, including relational databases, SQL (universal standard language for communicating to relational databases), data visualization, data modeling, data warehousing, database reporting using Tableau, big data, NoSQL, cloud and business intelligence using Microsoft Power BI and Excel.