Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education Fundamentals

The Early Childhood Education Fundamentals Certificate of Achievement isdesigned to deepen understanding of children, their families and developmentally appropriate practices while preparing students for careers in early childhood education. This certificate is equal to 12 semester units in early childhood educationand qualifies the student to be a “fully qualified teacher”under Title 22 regulations. Additionally, this certificate meets the education requirements of the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit awarded by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in support of Title 5 regulations. The recommended order of these classes is CHLD 56N, 8, 1, 88B and 89 though there are no required pre-requisites.

Initially an expected number of students of this program would be 30 students in the first year. That number would rise as people became more aware of the program, with an estimation of 50 students completing this program annually. It would be the most popular certificate we offer.

The Early Childhood Education Fundamentals Certificate of Achievement is designed to deepen understanding of children, their families and developmentally appropriate practices while preparing students for careers in early childhood education. 

 Program Learning Outcomes:

·       Demonstrate understanding of the needs and characteristics of children birth through middle childhood and the multiple influences on their development as related to the high-quality care and education of young children.

·       Demonstrate ethical standards and professional behaviors that deepen knowledge and commitment to the field of early care and education as related to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

 

This program prepares the early childhood education workforce, by supplying entry-level teachers the units they need to start working in early childhood programs. It is a starting place in the workforce and in their education. Students are encouraged to go on to gain an Associate’s degree with Foothill or a degree for Transfer. This program directly supports underrepresented populations, both the students in their career goals and the families of our community.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CHLD 1	Child Growth and Development: pRenatal through Early Childhood	4	Y1Winter
CHLD 8	Child Family and Community	4	Y1 Fall
CHLD 56N	Principles and practices of teaching young children	4	Y1 Fall
CHLD 88 B	Positive Behavior Managment	2	Y1 Spring
CHLD 89	Curriculum for Early Care and Education	4	Y1 Spring

What is unique about this proposed certificate is that it specifically matches the requirements of the workforce. This certificate is equal to 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and qualifies the student to be a “fully qualified teacher” under Title 22 regulations under the California Department of Social Services. Additionally, this certificate meets the education requirements of the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit awarded by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in support of Title 5 regulations. This certificate is specifically designed for our students enrolled in dual enrollment courses in HS and would like to be able to work as soon as they graduate.

Canada College has a 27 unit program. De Anza also has a certificate of achievement but is 26 quarter units. They both differ in units. This closely aligns with SJCC's Level 1 certificate. At the the time of this submission, all deans at these three colleges have been notified of our intent.