Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate of Achievement

and preparation for State Permit

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the study of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Students completing the Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate  will be prepared for positions such as lead teachers in private preschool programs, instructional assistants in public schools, and associate teachers in a Head Start or teacher in a State Preschool Program.  

Course Code Title Units
Required Courses
CDE 101Child Growth & Development3
CDE 102Child, Family, & Community3
CDE 103Principles & Practices of Teaching3
CDE 104Introduction to Curriculum3
CDE 201Health, Safety, & Nutrition3
CDE 202Teaching in a Diverse Society3
CDE 203Observation and Assessment3
CDE 204Practicum in Early Childhood Education4
General Education Pattern Recommended Choices
Students are advised that they are able to choose other courses from the same area.
Area C1:
NR 001Conservation of Natural Resources3
Area C2:
PSY 001General Psychology3
Area C3:
ENG 036Children's Literature3
Area C4:
ENG 001AEnglish Composition4
Required Subtotal25
COD General Education Subtotal (13 units from the following areas: Social Sciences, Humanities, Math or Science)13
CERTIFICATE TOTAL38

Note: State of California also requires 175 days of experience working in a child care program to apply for a Teacher Permit.