Child Development Master Teacher: Early Inclusion

This program includes a selection of courses that provide academic preparation for a teaching career working with typically developing children and children with disabilities (birth to 5 years) in inclusive settings.   This program will give students general knowledge and skills in theory, principles, and techniques for work in inclusive settings.

The enrollment completions will increase as this is a part of a stackable degree program and it aligns with the Master Teacher Child Development Permit.  The capstone classes for this program typically have 40 students enrolled.  It is estimated that 25-40 will graduate every two years (15-15/year).

The primary goal for this certificate is to prepare students for work in early childcare as an assistant or teacher in early intervention or early special education or inclusive early childhood programs. They will also be prepared to work as a paraprofessional with children to age 8. 

This program aligns with the Master Teacher Permit and the program is designed to train students to work with children with special needs (ages birth to 8) and with those who maybe at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.  Palomar College’s Child Development Master Teacher: Early Inclusion program also includes the courses necessary for being a site supervisor and thus the early childhood educators will be able to advance in their careers with these courses, as they align with the state permits.

Palomar College Child Development programs are stackable, and the students will first complete an Associate Teacher Certificate (which aligns with the permit), then they can move into the Teacher Certificate (again, aligning with permit) and, finally, they can choose their Master Teacher pathway.  Early Inclusion is one of three choices.  With the stackable degrees, students are rewarded with degree or certificates at each juncture as they move forward with their career goals