Early Childhood Education
Noncredit Certificate of Completion Child Development/Family Relations · Butte College · 2026-2027 Catalog
About the Program
Program Goal: Career
GE Pattern(s): None
Program Code: 46584.00NC
The noncredit Early Childhood Education Certificate prepares individuals for careers in child development and early learning. Through focused coursework, students gain foundational knowledge of child development, family childcare licensing, play-based curriculum, and effective methods for observing and guiding children’s behavior.
Program Learning Outcome(s): Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Describe key concepts in child development and explain how observation helps caregivers understand and support young children.
- Identify the basic requirements for operating a family childcare program, including licensing standards, safety expectations, and record-keeping practices.
- Explain how play supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth, and identify ways to create inclusive and culturally responsive play experiences.
- Demonstrate behavior guidance strategies that promote healthy behavior, strengthen child-caregiver relationships, and support children who experience stress or challenging situations.
- Explore career pathways in early childhood education and describe how certificates, degrees, and community resources can support long-term professional goals.