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This certificate provides a foundation for in-depth early childhood teacher preparation both through general education and through introductory studies in child development and in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy. Additionally, it covers culture and diversity issues in early childhood and health and safety practices. Students must verify required teaching experience to be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for issuance of the Teacher Child Development Permit.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Certificate prepares individuals for teaching our youngest learners by providing foundational skills and developmentally appropriate practices. This certificate, combined with the required work experience, fulfills the California Child Development Permit requirements for the Teacher Permit.
Students aiming to teach Preschool through 3rd grade in public elementary schools can use this degree as a pathway to the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Teaching Credential, as it includes required ECE coursework.
Enrollment in ECE 320 and ECE 321 provides up to 200 field experience hours, contributing toward the 600 hours needed for the preschool portion of the PK-3 ECE Specialist Credential and fulfilling 50 days in the California Child Development Permit Matrix.
Career Opportunities with a Teacher Certificate:
Preschool Teacher
Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional
Teacher’s Assistant.
After-School Program Instructor
Tutor or Academic Support Specialist
Private School or Charter School Assistant Teacher – Some non-traditional school settings hire assistant teachers with a certificate.
76,820
15% growth
$58,750/yr
Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.
Students must complete 16 units in general education (GE) categories to be eligible for the Child Development Permit (Teacher Leve) through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. At least one course in each of the following GE areas must be completed: English, Math/Science, Social Science, Humanities/Fine Arts.
See ECE Department for information on expertise requirements for the Child Development Permits.
This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course
availability or financial aid applicability.
The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Published May 17, 2025