Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program (ECEAP) certification program provides students with knowledge of comprehensive human development during early childhood (birth-age eight years of age). Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective teaching and learning strategies, their important role as an early childhood educator in a child's overall school readiness and success, and how to create and implement a high quality classroom environment for young children. The required service learning hours of the ECEAP 18-month program will support the students as they apply and transfer their learning in an early childhood classroom with young children and their families. The program is available for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program (ECEAP).

Demonstrate skill and mastery of child development themes, theories, curriculum, and assessment strategies by applying knowledge and skills in a simulated/real early childhood setting or scenarios.

Develop a portfolio of developmentally appropriate curriculum, programming, and assessment strategies for early childhood students in the cognitive, psychosocial, and biosocial domains.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

6 units
CDEV C1000
Child Growth and Development
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories. A student will not receive credit for this course if they have already taken Psychology 157. Formerly: CDEV 107 - Child Growth and Development (DS1)
    Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
    Plan 1: 7A. Lifelong Understanding
    Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
    APCD 110
    Apprenticeship Child, Family and Community (DS2)
    The processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, birth through adolescence. (Same as CDEV 110)

    Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

      Plan 1: 4B. Social Science

      Second Semes

      6 units
      APCD 111B
      Apprenticeship Introduction to Curriculum for Young Children
      Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings. Students will be required to complete observations in an early childhood lab school setting.

      Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

      • Prerequisite: By the 1st week of the class, verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, flu vaccine, negative TB test, and statement of good health is required.
      APCD 205
      Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays
      Introduces the variations in development of children and adolescents with disabilities or delay. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to individuals with disabilities or delays, and the assessment and referral process. Emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with families and specialists to support children's development.

      Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

        Third Semester

        9 units
        APCD 108
        Apprenticeship Observation and Assessment for Early Learning and Development
        Introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.

        Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

        • Prerequisite: APCD 107
        • Prerequisite: By the 1st week of the class, verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, flu vaccine, negative TB test, and statement of good health is required.
        CDEV 116A
        Infant/Toddler Growth and Development (DS4)
        A study of infants and toddlers, from conception to 36 months, including the theoretical frameworks of development, and the impact of pregnancy, birth, and early life experiences on a child emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically. Emphasizes the role of family, culture, caring and responsive adults, and attachment relationships on growth and development.
        • Recommended Preparation: APCD 107/CDEV 107 and APCD 108/CDEV 108; verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, and negative TB test may be required.
        APCD 221
        Apprenticeship Teaching in a Diverse Society
        Examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families. (Same as CDEV 221)

        Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

          Plan 1: 4B. Social Science

          Fourth Sem

          4 units
          APCD 296
          Apprenticeship Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience
          Demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Students are required to complete a minimum of 108 hours in an early childhood lab school setting or approved mentor site.

          Must be a state-indentured apprentice.

          • Prerequisite: APCD 107
          • Prerequisite: APCD 108
          • Prerequisite: APCD 110
          • Prerequisite: APCD 111B
          • Prerequisite: APCD 221
          • Prerequisite: by the 1st week of the class, verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, flu vaccine, negative TB test, and statement of good health is required.