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Early Childhood Education, School Age Child Care and Education Certificate

Upon completion of one of the following certificates, and with appropriate documented experience, the student meets the minimum requirements for employment in a privately funded childcare program or family day care program. Certificates are designed to meet varying employment levels and focused training with infants and school-age children. These requirements are outlined in Title 22 (Department of Social Services) regulations for child care licensing.

Total Units:
26

First Year

Semester 1

9 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
ECE 300
Introduction to Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
3
F, S
ECE 312 1
Child Development
3
Advisory: ENGL C1000
F, S, Su
ECE 314 2
The Child, the Family and the Community
3
F, S, Su

1 Course also taught during summer term. Must be completed before semester 2.

2 Course also taught during summer term.

Semester 2

10 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
ECE 307 1
Introduction to Bilingual Education
3
F
ECE 320 2
Curriculum and Interactions in Early Childhood Education
4
ECE 300 & 312 & Co-req: ECE 326; TB clearance & proof of immunization.
F, S
ECE 326
Making Learning Visible Through Observation and Documentation
3
ECE 312
F, S

1 At least 10 tutoring sessions of an emergent ELL

2 102-108 in-person lab hours at qualifying site. Under California law (Title 22) any persons working directly with children must provide proof of current Tuberculosis clearance and provide any required proof of immunizations (currently: measles, pertussis, and influenza/influenza waiver).

Year 2

Semester 3

7 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
ECE 321 1
Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Education
4
ECE 300, 312, 320, 326; TB clearance & proof of immunization
F, S
ECE 404
Children with Special Needs
3
ECE 312
F, S

1 102-108 in-person lab hours at qualifying site. Under California law (Title 22) any persons working directly with children must provide proof of current Tuberculosis clearance and provide any required proof of immunizations (currently: measles, pertussis, and influenza/influenza waiver).

Career Options/Outlook:

The School-Age Care and Education Certificate prepares individuals for rewarding careers in before-school, after-school, and expanded learning programs, as well as youth development and recreation-based settings. With an increasing emphasis on quality out-of-school programs and enrichment opportunities for children ages 5-12, this certificate provides the skills and knowledge needed to support children\'s academic, social, and emotional growth.

A sample of reported job titles:

Career Opportunities with a School-Age Care and Education Certificate:

Before- and After-School Program Leader

Instructional Aide or Paraprofessional

Expanded Learning Program Staff 

Recreation Program Coordinator 

Youth Development Specialist 

Camp Counselor or Camp Director 

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

76,820

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

22% growth

Median Salary in California with advanced degree (2021):

$37,080/yr

Program Notes:

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.  

Field Experience

Please note that ECE 320 and ECE 321 has a 102-108 supervised field experience lab requirement per course. These are approved program/curriculum courses required by the California Code of Regulations Title 22 and Title 5. Under the supervision of a qualified Mentor Teacher, students will complete 3.5 in-person scheduled lab hours twice a week at the CRC Child Development Center or an instructor-approved early learning and care setting. Up to 50 days of experience can be applied to California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Child Development Permits for students completing ECE 320 & 321. Up to 100 hours of supervised clinical practice equivalency (in-person lab hours) may be applied to a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential Program (CCTC). The college requires all lab students to complete a lab waiver within the learning management system. Students must show current proof of tuberculosis clearance, pertussis immunization, and measles immunization. Additionally, students enrolled in the fall semester must be immunized against influenza, or submit an influenza waiver.

About this program map:

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.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

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

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