Child Development - Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

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.  

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Social Sciences, Human Development, Kinesiology & Health

Department

Child Development

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Public Service, Culture, Society

Program Learning Outcomes

  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.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

9 units
CD 105 or CD 105H
This introductory course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
    2. or
  2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR

    This introductory course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to CSU
    • CD 113 - Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
    This course is an examination of underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development of all young children.  This course includes a review of historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics and professional identity.  

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
  • Transfers to CSU
    • CD 126 - Child, Family, and the Community
    This course examines the developing child in a societal context which focuses on the interrelationships of family, school, and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
  • Transfers to CSU

    • 2nd Semester

    6 units
    CD 114 - Introduction to Curriculum
    This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age six.  Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and engagement for all young children. This course provides strategies for developmentally-appropriate practice based on observation and assessment across the curriculum.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CD 105
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: CD 105H
    3. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
  • Transfers to CSU
    • CD 101 or CD 127
    This course includes general concepts, goals and strategies of parenting through the life span in varying life circumstances and diverse family types.  Establishing and maintaining close emotional relationships through bonding, attachment, and effective communication techniques with children at all developmental stages is emphasized.  Effective guidance skills, shaping and modifying children's behavior are explored.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
    OR
    This course presents a developmental approach to the guidance and discipline of children. Effective guidance theories and methods are presented for teachers and professionals working with children, including children with special needs.  Effective communication methods for early childhood educators working with children and their parents will be emphasized. 

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H

    3rd Semester

    4 units
    CD 205 - Child Development Practicum / Field Experience
    In this supervised field work course, students practice and demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and mentor teachers. Students utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment, and knowledge of curriculum content areas are emphasized. Student teachers design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development for all young children.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: CD 105
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: CD 105H
    3. Prerequisite: CD 113
    4. Prerequisite: CD 114
    5. Prerequisite: CD 126
    6. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
  • Transfers to CSU