Certificate in Child Development Teacher

Courses in this certificate lead to the A.S. Degree in Child Development or careers in the field of child development and early childhood education.

Completion of the program prepares students to work as a child development aide, assistant teacher, or teacher in a variety of early childhood programs.

Certificate of Achievement Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Child Development Teacher Certificate of Achievement will:

  1. Acquire knowledge and foundational skills necessary to work in the teaching profession.
  2. Design, implement and evaluate environments and activities that support positive, developmental play and learning outcomes for children.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and apply theories of early childhood education and child development.
  4. Apply effective guidance and teaching strategies that support social growth, learning, and identity development and promote self-confidence.
Required courses:
CHLD 110Early Childhood Development3
or PSY 206 Child Growth and Development
CHLD 112Principles of Early Childhood Education I3
CHLD 114Home-Child-Community Relations3
CHLD 154Observing and Recording Behavior3
Select nine (9) units from the following:
Introduction to Curriculum3
Literacy for Children3
Art for Children3
Music and Rhythms for Children2
Science Experiences for Children2
Math for Children2
Parent-Child Interaction3
Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children3
Teaching in a Diverse Society 3
Perceptual Motor and Movement Activities2
The Child with Special Needs3
Speech and Language Development and Disorders2
Required supervised teaching experience:
CHLD 156Practicum in Early Childhood Education2
CHLD 156LPracticum Lab1
Also required:
16 units of General Education (GE): one course minimum in each of the following categories - English/language arts, math or science, social sciences, humanities and/or fine arts, any general education elective excluding kinesiology (KIN). These GE courses must qualify for graduation credit. Please see an academic counselor or adviser.
Total Units40

Permit Information

This Certificate meets the educational requirements for the Teacher Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. All coursework must be completed with the grade of “C” or better to meet permit requirements. In order to apply for the State Permit, students must complete 175 days of three or more hours per day of qualifying work experience with young children within four years. See California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for details.

1.5-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Additional 16 units of General Education (GE) required: one course minimum in each of the following categories - English/language arts, math or science, social sciences, humanities and/or fine arts, any general education elective excluding kinesiology (KIN). These GE courses must qualify for graduation credit. Please see an academic counselor or adviser.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
CHLD 112 Principles of Early Childhood Education I 3
CHLD 114 Home-Child-Community Relations 3
CHLD 110
Early Childhood Development
or Child Growth and Development
3
 Units9
Winter Term 1
CHLD 150 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
CHLD 144 Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children 3
CHLD 164 The Child with Special Needs 3
CHLD 154 Observing and Recording Behavior 3
CHLD 166 Speech and Language Development and Disorders 2
 Units11
Summer Term 1
CHLD 156 Practicum in Early Childhood Education 2
CHLD 156L Practicum Lab 1
 Units3
 Total Units26

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.