Early Childhood Education Certificate

Certificate | SC Program: CT.3451

The Early Childhood Education Certificate will offer students initial training to work with young children. After completion of the 24-unit certificate requirements, the student will qualify for employment as an entry-level teacher in private child care settings licensed through the Department of Social Services. The Early Childhood Education Certificate course work also meets the training requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. All certificate requirements must be completed with a “C” grade or better.

This 24 unit certificate is intended to fulfill the ECE requirement of a lower-division program of study that can transfer to the CSU system. With additional coursework, both at lower-division and upper-division levels, it prepares the student for in-depth coursework toward higher degree attainment. When the 24-unit certificate is combined with 16 General Education units, it qualifies the student for a Child Development Permit issued by the Office of Teacher Credentialing, at the Teacher level.

This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:

• Apply an understanding of principles of child development in planning exclusive and developmentally appropriate curriculum environments.
• Exhibit skills in observation and documentation as a vehicle for child and program assessment curriculum design.
• Create environments that are healthy, respectful, and supportive to children and their families.
• Utilize positive guidance of young children based on an understanding of cognitive, physical, and social and emotional development of children.
• Establish and maintain safe and healthy learning environments for young children.
• Upon completion of the ECE Certificate, students will, through planned and sequenced field experiences, develop the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young children.

Certificate Requirements

• ECE 2 Child, Family, Community 3
• ECE 7 Early Childhood Observation and Assessment 3
• ECE 8 Teaching Practicum for Young Children 3
• ECE 9 Child, Growth and Development 3
• ECE 15 Child Health, Safety and Nutrition 3
• ECE 17 Principles/Practices of Teaching Young Children 3
• ECE 20 Introduction to Curriculum 3
• ECE 28 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3

Total Units for Certificate: 24

Requirements subject to change. Please refer to your Course Catalog.