Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum and Instructional Practices

The Certificate of Achievement in Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum and Instructional Practices is designed for current and aspiring educators seeking to deepen their understanding of developmentally appropriate curriculum practices for young children from birth to age eight. This certificate provides a comprehensive exploration of subject-specific methods and strategies that promote learning through play, creativity, and inquiry. Students will study how to support brain development, language and literacy, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and the integration of music, art, and technology in early learning environments. Emphasis is placed on designing an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that aligns with the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) and supports diverse learners.

Ideal for early educators, curriculum planners, or those preparing to transfer to a related degree program, this certificate equips students with hands-on tools and knowledge to create rich, engaging, and purposeful learning experiences for young children.  Additionally, the degree curriculum may serve as preparation for paraprofessional positions in the PK-12 classroom by satisfying unit requirements established by law.

This certificate meets Education Code section 48000(g) requirements, under the purview of the California Department of Education (CDE), which requires credentialed teachers to have at least 24 units in early childhood education, or childhood development in order to teach in a Transitional Kindergarten classroom.

30 students annually

Goals:

• Develop a pathway for educators to deepen subject-matter knowledge and build instructional leadership skills, supporting career growth or transfer to related degree programs.
• Prepare students for immediate employment or advancement in early childhood education settings through specialized curriculum training.

Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of how early experiences influence children’s learning and curriculum planning.
• Prepare students with practical skills to analyze and apply teaching strategies that support diverse learners in inclusive environments.
• Develop comprehensive training in early learning curriculum areas, including literacy, math, science, music, art, and technology.

• Create learning environments and curriculum that reflect diverse cultures, abilities, and learning styles, in alignment with California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Demonstrate effective teaching strategies in core subject areas, including math, science, language and literacy, art, music, and technology, tailored to young children’s developmental needs.
• Plan and implement integrated, play-based curriculum that supports the physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development of children from birth to age eight.

Child Development and Education Studies Department

Child Development programs are offered at Saddleback, Irvine Valley, Santiago Canyon, and Fullerton College.

30 students