Introduction to Early Care and Education

Introduction to Early Care and Education Certificate of Completion

This program serves as an introduction to the theoretical and practical knowledge required for working with young children in an early care and education setting. It will help individuals determine their level of interest in the early care and education field, prepare students for credit-bearing coursework in Early Childhood Education, and private business. The program consists of a sequence of courses that prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment as an entry-level Child Care Aide or Family Child Care Provider. This includes an understanding of child development from birth to age five, basic principles of early care and education, planning developmentally appropriate curriculum, communicating with children and families, licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and employment seeking strategies. These courses are not intended as a substitute for any Certificate or Associate in Science – Early Childhood Education for Transfer or related degrees coursework, which provides state mandated education and fieldwork experiences leading to a Child Development Permit and employment as an early care and education associate teacher or higher. After completing this program, students who wish to pursue a certificate / degree in Early Childhood Education are encouraged to meet with a Counselor to create and Education Plan. Upon completion of the required courses with a grade of ‘P’, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Program Learning Outcomes

• 1. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to explain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work with children ages 0-five and their families in an early care and education setting.

• 2. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to summarize basic child development theories related to planning and developmentally appropriate environments and curriculum experiences.

• 3. Upon completion of the program, students will compose an application to meet licensing and workforce requirements for in home group care and education for young children in California.

Program Requirements