This certificate includes Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses and is an entry-level certificate for students preparing to work with groups of children in early childhood settings. The courses are required by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing to work in licensed child care facilities in California. Completing the certificate also satisfies the educational requirements for the Associate Teacher level of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Child Development Permit. These core courses form the foundational requirements for continued work with young children in a variety of educational and classroom settings, including ECE, infant/toddler care, school-age care, and after additional study, K-12 classrooms.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Differentiate stages of child growth and development.

🗸 Examine the role of families and communities in the lives of children and youth.

🗸 Distinguish developmentally appropriate practice and diverse philosophical approaches in a range of settings for young children.