Early Childhood Education Master Teacher Certificate of Achievement

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the study of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Students completing the Early Childhood Education Master Teacher Certificate will be prepared for positions such as mentor teachers, curriculum specialists, and leaders in early care and education programs. A Master Teacher certificate enables the holder to serve as a lead teacher in Private Early Care and Education Programs, State-Funded Early Care and Education Programs, or State Preschool Program. Master Teachers can supervise teachers, student teachers and interns.

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Mentor and supervise assistants, student teachers, parents, and volunteers in preschool programs.
  2. Write developmentally appropriate curriculum in all developmental domains and provide guidance in their area of specialization to other staff.

Program Requirements

(and Preparation for State Permit) 

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
CDE 223The Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision2
ECE Emphasis Courses
Select one group from the following:6
INFANT/TODDLER CARE:
CDE 220
CDE 221
Infant/Toddler Growth & Development
and Infant/Toddler Curriculum
6
OR INCLUSION PRACTICES:
CDE 233
CDE 234
Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
and Inclusion Strategies for Children with Special Needs
6
OR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS & MATH (STEAM):
CDE 232
CDE 236
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in ECE
and Music and Movement for Young Children
6
&/or CDE 231 Creativity in Young Children
OR LANGUAGE ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT:
CDE 229
CDE 230
Children's Literature
and English Language Learners in ECE
6
OR TRAUMA INFORMED CARE:
CDE 227
CDE 228
Child Guidance
and Child Maltreatment, Intervention, & Prevention
6
OR SOCIALIZATION & THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY:
CDE 240
CDE 241
Social Cognition & the Developing Brain
and ECE Global Diplomacy Practicum
6
Required Subtotal33
COD General Education Subtotal (12 units from the following areas: English, Social Sciences, Humanities, Math or Science)12
CERTIFICATE TOTAL45

Note: State of California also requires 350 days of experience working in a child care program to apply for a Master Teacher Permit.