STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Certificate for Early Childhood Educators

The purpose of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Certificate for Early Childhood Educators is to empower teachers to employ a project-based learning approach that crosses all of these disciplines in solving everyday problems. This approach aligns with Common Core Standards and has been shown to engage students and allow them to use both left and right-brained thinking in the same exercise. This certificate provides a strong researched-based curricular foundation with immediate practical classroom applications. Additionally, the STEAM certificate can be used towards earning professional growth hours for the child development permit.

The projected number of students who earn the certificate annually is 15. 

Students will demonstrate a knowledge basis of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) within the early childhood.
 

Students will understand current knowledge, skills, and resources related to STEAM and apply those skills in a classroom setting.
 

This STEAM certificate corresponds to the SAC mission of inspiring, transforming, and empowering a diverse community of learners.  Specifically, it provides our students with advanced knowledge and skills within science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to prepare current and future teachers for teaching students in the 21st Century.  Students gain research-based strategies and hands-on learning to support STEAM in the classroom.  Students can continue to pursue their educational career options by obtaining the Emphasis in Preschool Age Care and Development Degree (33.5), Emphasis in School-Age Care and Recreation Degree (32.5-35.5units), or Elementary Education (Pre-Professional) Degree (25-26 units).  Also, this certificate can be used for professional development hours for current teachers in the ECE field.  

CDEV 200	Introduction to Technology in Early Childhood Education	2	Y1, F
CDEV 210	Creative Music Experiences for Young Children	2	Y1, Sp
CDEV 214	Creative Art Experiences for Children	2	Y1, Summer
CDEV 229	Brain Development and Learning	2	Y1, F
CDEV 231	Developing Language and Literacy in Young Children	3	Y1, Sp
CDEV 232	Math and Science Methods for Early Learning Environments	2	Y1, Summer

Child Development

There are similar child development and early care and education programs at Fullerton, Irvine, North Orange County Adult, Orange Coast, Saddleback, and Santiago Canyon. STEAM is a current curricula trend in ECE.

The annual enrollment project is 15 students.