CBE Programs

Shasta College proudly launched its first Competency-Based Education (CBE) program, the Early Childhood Education Competency Certificate, in Fall 2025. This milestone reflects the college’s commitment to innovative, flexible learning pathways that support student success. The campus will continue working closely with faculty to identify additional certificates and associate degree programs that may be offered in a CBE format in the future.

  • The ECE faculty have developed twenty-four, 1-unit competencies that align with the following traditional 3-unit ECE classes. Students will complete the aligned competencies in this order:
    • ECE 17: Principles and Practices
    • ECE 20: Intro to Curriculum
    • ECE 9: Child, Growth, and Development
    • ECE 2: Child, Family, and Community
    • ECE 52: Guidance and Classroom Management Strategies
    • ECE 28: Teaching in a Diverse Society
    • ECE 7: Early Childhood Observation and Assessment
    • ECE 8: Teaching Practicum for Young Children
  • Online (mostly): All the competencies will be fully online, except for the 54-hour in-person practicum aligned with ECE 8.  If you are currently employed in an early childhood education setting, your work hours may count towards the 54-hour practicum.
  • Previously completed coursework: If you have already completed any of the above coursework (or equivalents from another college) with a grade of “B” or better, you will not be required to complete the aligned competencies for that course.
  • What about other courses? At this point in time, these are the only ECE courses that are taught in a CBE format; the faculty are working on the following courses for CBE for 2026-27:
    • ECE 12: Infant Toddler Learning
    • ECE 15: Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
    • ECE 22:  Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
  • Are there CBE GE classes? Shasta College is also working on developing general education coursework for CBE, but those will not be ready until 2026-27.  
    • If you complete the certificate and want to continue for an associate degree, you can discuss that with your CBE Counselor.  
    • They can help you complete your GE courses through our Accelerated College Education (ACE) program (8-week, online courses) or traditional full-semester courses.
  • Who is this for?
    • Students MUST be working directly with children in an early childhood education setting; this includes working in a TK-3rd grade classroom.

More information: For more details, watch one of our recorded Information Sessions!

For additional details, please complete this Interest Form (below) and/or Contact Us to connect with the CBE staff. If you feel ready to move forward with Competency-Based Education, you can also review the How to Become a CBE Student page, as well.  

CBE ECE Interest Form