Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Early Childhood Education Teacher

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.

This Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate provides students with knowledge about the comprehensive development of young children, birth to 8 years old. Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and how to create and implement a high quality classroom for young children. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. 

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

Develop a portfolio of developmentally appropriate curriculum, programming, and assessment strategies for preschoolers 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

9 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
    CDEV 110
    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 APCD 110)
      Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
      CDEV 111A
      Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
      Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. Students will be required to complete observations and assignments in an early childhood lab school setting.
      • Prerequisite: 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.

      Second Semester

      9 units
      CDEV 111B
      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 the indoor and outdoor settings. Students will be required to complete observations and assignments in an early childhood lab school setting.
      • Prerequisite: 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 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. (Same as EDUC 203)
        CDEV 221
        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 APCD 221)
          Plan 1: 4B. Social Science

          Third Semester

          9 units
          CDEV 108
          Observation and Assessment for Early Learning and Development (DS3)
          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. Students will be required to complete child observations in an early childhood lab school setting.
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 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.
          *Fall only
          • 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.
          CDEV 231
          Developing Language and Literacy in Young Children
          Designed to introduce students to basic concepts of first and second language acquisition and literacy in young children, including classroom applications.
          • Recommended Preparation: By the 1st week of the semester, verification of the state-mandated Tdap vaccination, MMR immunization, and negative TB test will be required.

          Fourth Semester

          4 units
          CDEV 296
          Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience
          Demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of CDES 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.
          • Prerequisite: CDEV C1000
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 108
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 110
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 111A
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 111B
          • Prerequisite: CDEV 221