Early Childhood Education, Short State Certificate of Specialization Early Childhood Education

Emphasis: Early Childhood Education

Degree: Short State Certificate of Specialization Early Childhood Education

Total Units: 52

Class Type: Lecture, Lab, Hybrid, Online

Purpose: The Early Childhood Education Certificate Program prepares students to compete for entry level employment in the childcare field, as well as those who currently work with children. The Children’s Lab School provides an environment for observation and practice. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of child development from birth through age eight.

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how children differ in their development and approaches to learning and to use this knowledge to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all young children from birth through age eight.
• Demonstrate the ability to use theory, research and foundations of education when planning and implementing Early Child Education programs.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices based on knowledge of individual children, the community and the curriculum goals and content.
• Use individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children and develop personal self -control, self-motivation and positive self-esteem.
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families.
• Articulate a philosophy and rationale for decisions while continually assessing and evaluating the effects of their choices and actions on others.
• Serve as an advocate on behalf of young children and their families, programs for young children and the working environment for early childhood educators.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession and a commitment to professionalism.
• Demonstrate competence in managing human, fiscal, and spatial resources while meeting the health and safety needs of children and adults.
• Model global awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of children.
• Examine, discuss, evaluate, and critique various issues and trends in Early Childhood Education.
• Identify and explain the major historic events and theoretical perspectives of Early Childhood Education