Child Development - Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement

The Associate Teacher Certificate is designed to be the first step toward obtaining entry-level employment in the field of Early Childhood Education in a preschool or child care setting. The Associate Teacher Certificate requires 19 CD units which includes four units of practicum/ supervised experience with young children.

This Certificate meets the unit and course requirements towards the California Title 5 requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Applications may be obtained through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Office or the Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC). After students take CD 205, more days of experience are needed to meet the 50 days of experience requirement for the CD Associate Teacher Permit.  Child Development Work Experience, CD 098, may be taken to help meet the 50 day requirement.   

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Required Courses:
CD 105	Child Growth and Development	3
or CD 105H	Child Growth and Development - Honors
CD 113	Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children	3
CD 114	Introduction to Curriculum	3
CD 126	Child, Family, and the Community	3
One Course from the Following:
CD 101	Parent-Child Interaction	3
CD 127	Guidance of Children	3
Required Course for Experience Working with Children
CD 205	Child Development Practicum / Field Experience	4
Recommended Course to Meet 50 Day Requirement for the Associate Teacher Permit
CD 098	Child Development Work Experience	1-4
Total Units		19

Students working for certificates must have a basic knowledge of arithmetic, reading and writing in order to learn and work in the occupations they select.

This is a Gainful Employment Program

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

1. Develop a personal philosophy that reflects an understanding of: a) typical and atypical child development in all developmental domains, b) developmentally appropriate practices in CD programs c) ethical standards and professional behaviors when working with children and families and d) indictors of high quality early childhood programs.
2. Identify the processes and activities that support developmentally appropriate play and learning for children.
3. Identify resources that promote supportive relationships and partnerships between programs, teachers, families and their communities.
4. Develop positive guidance and interaction strategies that support young children's learning and self-confidence.
5. Write developmentally appropriate curriculum plans.