The Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Certificate of Achievement program is designed to prepare students who are interested in becoming Transitional Kindergarten teachers with the necessary Early Childhood Education units required by the Department of Education to fulfill the requirements of the position. This specialization option under the Child Development Department provides comprehensive knowledge of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks as well as instruction in effective behavior management strategies, for working with children from diverse cultural backgrounds, and knowledge of how to create quality curriculum and environments for young children. This program is designed both for credentialed teachers who want to earn the Early Childhood Education units necessary to qualify as a transitional Kindergarten teacher and for current preschool teachers who want to deepen their understanding of the Preschool Foundations and Frameworks. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon successful completion of the courses specified below. The program can be completed in two semesters.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career opportunities may include Childcare Workers, Preschool Teachers (Except Special Education), Preschool Special Education Teachers, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program Education Administrators, Postsecondary Education Teachers and Teacher Assistants. The career opportunities for teachers with an elementary teaching credential expands to Transitional Kindergarten teacher with the addition of 24 Child Development units.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

- Identify, evaluate and develop developmentally and culturally appropriate practices and curriculum for preschool-aged children.

- Expand on knowledge and ability to work with diverse children, families and communities.

- Communicate effectively orally, and in writing on relevant topics in the field of Early Care and Education specific to preschool aged children.