Dear Future SMC Graduate,

Welcome to the Education/Early Childhood Department at Santa Monica College. We created this student handbook to help orient you to our programs and guide you in making decisions regarding your academic and career opportunities. Each section contains important information that is key for your success at varying stages of your journey. Should you need additional support or clarification, we invite you to meet with an instructor or counselor from our department. We very much look forward to working with you.

This handbook functions as both a student resource and a contract.

As a resource, this handbook is full of tools and information that will be useful to you, whether you are just beginning in our program, making steady progress through your pathway, getting ready to dive into hands-on fieldwork experiences, or nearing the end of your journey with us at SMC.

As a contract, it describes the pathways, expectations, and guidelines for students who will be learning and working in our program and with children and families. Your signature on the last page of the handbook acknowledges that you have read and agree to follow all the policies and procedures in this document.

Please read through all the information in this handbook carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Your success is our number one goal, and we are here to support you!

Sincerely,

SMC Education/Early Childhood Faculty and Staff