Academic Programs Banner Image

Early Childhood Education

Sub Navigation

Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education

2025-2026 Map

Total Units: 24

Term 1

12 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units	Notes
	CDF 12: Child, Family, and Community	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU/UC Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course provides an understanding of 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. (C-ID CDEV 110).
	CDF 14: Child Growth and Development	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU/UC Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. (C-ID CDEV 100).
	CDF 40: Observation and Assessment	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course 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 is emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. (C-ID ECE 200).
	CDF 63: Introduction to Early Childhood Education Curriculum	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course provides an exploration of developmentally appropriate curricula and environments for children from 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 curricula in all content areas to support children???s development and learning in indoor and outdoor settings. (C-ID ECE 130).

Term 2

12 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.

	Course Name	Units	Notes
	CDF 48: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course is a study of the 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. (C-ID ECE 120).
	CDF 57: Teaching in a Diverse Society	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course presents an examination of 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 curricula will be explored, as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. This course places emphasis on self-reflection of the influence of teachers??? own cultures and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families. (C-ID ECE 230).
	CDF 78: Early Childhood Education Practicum	3.00	Prerequisite: 12 units from, CDF 12, CDF 14, CDF 18, CDF 40, CDF 48, CDF 56, CDF 57, CDF 63, CDF 65, CDF 80
Prerequisite(s): 12 units from, CDF 12, CDF 14, CDF 18, CDF 40, CDF 48, CDF 56, CDF 57, CDF 63, CDF 65, CDF 80 Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 17.00 hours Lecture / 102.00 hours Lab Out of Class Hours: 34.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course provides hands-on experience with developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will use practical classroom experiences to connect 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. The course includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. (C-ID ECE 210).
	CDF 80: Health, Safety and Nutrition	3.00
Unit(s): 3.00 Transfer Status: CSU Contact Hours: 51.00 hours Lecture Out of Class Hours: 102.00 Total Course Hours: 153.00 This course is a study of laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children from birth through middle childhood. It includes the teacher???s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integration of health, safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management. (C-ID ECE 220).