Nature-Based Pedagogy Certificate

This certificate provides a foundation in Child development, highlighting nature, environmental education and stewardship. Exploration of a nature - based pedagogy continuum; from nature focused activities through forest Kindergarten principles and practices.Strategies and resources to support children in developing and fostering a curiosity of the world around them and build skills to help them be successful learners. Cultural diversity and placed-based influences will be a focus.

Outdoor learning environments(OLEs) stimulate the diversity of children’s play experience and contribute to their healthy development; through observation and assessment opportunities,candidates will experience first-hand the outdoor learning environment.Discover skills and understanding required to create, manage, promote, and organize quality OLEs for children.

70

The goal of the Nature-based Pedagogy  Certificate of Achievement is to provide continuing  opportunities to prepare students for careers involving the education and care of young children in a variety of settings with an emphasis on the outdoor learning environment and nature.

Students completing this certificate will gain the knowledge to work with children 0 – 8 years old in different roles, both public and private programs with an emphasis on Nature pedagogy and outdoor learning environments.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Psychology 11	Child Growth and Development	3	S1
Early Childhood Education 2	Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children	3	S1
Early Childhood Education 11	Child, Family and Community	3	S1
Early Childhood Education 17	Introduction to Curriculum	3	S1
Early Childhood Education 21	Observation and Assessment	4	S2
Early Childhood Education 76	Children in Nature	3	S3
Early Childhood Education 77	Nature: In, Out and Beyond	3	S3

This certificate requires the successful completion of 7 required  courses and  with 2 courses focusing on Nature-based  Pedagogy for a total of 22 units. This certificate satisfies the Department of Social Services Title 22 Community Care Licensing requirements for qualified preschool teachers, and before and after school age caregivers in a licensed early childhood program.It also satisfies the California Department of Education Title 5 child development course work requirements for the Child Development Assistant or Associate Teacher permit and those need  to complete an early childhood education specialty focus.

Early Childhood Education

NONE, that I know of at this time

70 for the 2 core courses