PK-3 Teacher Preparation Certificate

Program Learning Objective:   

Students will design and deliver inclusive, developmentally appropriate instruction that supports the academic and social-emotional growth of prekindergarten to third grade diverse learners.  

Objectives: 

Describe major theories of child development for children, prekindergarten to third grade, including typical and atypical child development milestones, strengths and special needs, that may promote or impede optimal growth and development. 

Evaluate early childhood education environments, curricula, teaching strategies using indicators and ethical standards in the field, while identifying best and promising practices, through an understanding of historical foundation, program philosophies, and delivery systems for children prekindergarten to third grade. 

Apply elements of diverse curriculum models, approaches, theories, and early learning standards to design, plan, and implement individualized and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children from prekindergarten to third grade, addressing diverse abilities within the assessment cycle. 

Evaluate and apply principles of health, safety, and nutrition to promote the well-being of children prekindergarten to third grade, identifying potential risks, implementing practices and curriculum that support optimal health. 

Design and implement development appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Art (STEAM) learning experiences for children prekindergarten to third grade. 

Demonstrate the ability to critically assess and implement culturally relevant physical and social environments in prekindergarten to third graded settings that are responsive to the diverse identities of children and families, while evaluating how personal experiences and social identity influence teaching practices and interactions. 

Evaluate and apply instructional and environmental assessment tools used in early childhood education programs to assess children’s development and develop a strategic action plan that enhances equitable outcomes and ensures high-quality learning environments and instructional practices for all children. 

Apply knowledge of children with differing abilities and family cultures to support early intervention and inclusive practices through collaboration with families and communities. 

Plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive learning experiences for children prekindergarten to third grade, while demonstrating effective teaching strategies, positive classroom management, ethical practice, and professional communication with children and teaching staff. 

Design and implement culturally responsive curriculum based on documented observation and assessment of prekindergarten to third grade children, and regularly reflect on own teaching strategies and classroom environment to ensure they support every child’s development, background, and learning needs. 

The creation of a PK-3 Teacher Preparation Certificate is driven by the need to support children's developmental continuity, improve instructional quality, and promote equity in early childhood education. This certificate equips educators with specialized knowledge to address the diverse cultural, linguistic, and developmental needs of young children, aligning teaching practices across prekindergarten to third grade.  

It also responds to workforce demands and policy shifts, such as universal preschool and transitional kindergarten expansion (PTK) and the development of the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential by the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This certificate program creates a streamlined pathway for both aspiring and current early childhood and elementary educators to develop the skills needed to create inclusive, high-quality learning environments during their most formative years. 

Core Courses:  

CH DEV 1 - 65 per year – 2275 students 

CH DEV 2 - 20 per year – 800 students 

CH DEV 7 – 8 per year – 160 per year 

CH DEV 10 – 10 per year – 400 per year 

CH DEV 11 – 11 per year – 440 per year  

CH DEV 18 – 1 per year – 30 per year 

CH DEV 22 – 12 per year (17 cap) - 204 per year 

CH DEV 23 – 4 per year (17 cap) - 68 per year 

CH DEV 34 – 5 per year – 160 students 

CH DEV 54 – 1 per year – 30 per year 

CH DEV 40 – 2 per year (when created) – 40 per year 

CH DEV 42 – 9 per year – 360 students 

CH DEV 45 – 6 per year – 240 students