Early Childhood Education Master Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Early Childhood Education · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the study of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Students completing the Early Childhood Education Master Teacher Certificate will be prepared for positions such as mentor teachers, curriculum specialists, and leaders in early care and education programs. A Master Teacher certificate enables the holder to serve as a lead teacher in Private Early Care and Education Programs, State-Funded Early Care and Education Programs, or State Preschool Program. Master Teachers can supervise teachers, student teachers and interns.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:
- Mentor and supervise assistants, student teachers, parents, and volunteers in preschool programs.
- Write developmentally appropriate curriculum in all developmental domains and provide guidance in their area of specialization to other staff.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
(and Preparation for State Permit)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth & Development | 3 |
| CDE 102 | Child, Family, & Community | 3 |
| CDE 103 | Principles & Practices of Teaching | 3 |
| CDE 104 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| CDE 201 | Health, Safety, & Nutrition | 3 |
| CDE 202 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDE 203 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| CDE 204 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| CDE 223 | The Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision | 2 |
| ECE Emphasis Courses | ||
| Select one group from the following: | 6 | |
| INFANT/TODDLER CARE: | ||
| CDE 220 & CDE 221 | Infant/Toddler Growth & Developmentand Infant/Toddler Curriculum | 6 |
| OR INCLUSION PRACTICES: | ||
| CDE 233 & CDE 234 | Introduction to Young Children with Special Needsand Inclusion Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 6 |
| OR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS & MATH (STEAM): | ||
| CDE 232 & CDE 231 | Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in ECEand Creativity in Young Children | 6 |
| OR LANGUAGE ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT: | ||
| CDE 229 & CDE 230 | Children's Literatureand English Language Learners in ECE | 6 |
| OR TRAUMA INFORMED CARE: | ||
| CDE 227 & CDE 228 | Child Guidanceand Child Maltreatment, Intervention, & Prevention | 6 |
| Required Subtotal | 33 | |
| COD General Education Subtotal (12 units from the following areas: English, Social Sciences, Humanities, Math or Science) | 12 | |
| CERTIFICATE TOTAL | 45 | |
Note: State of California also requires 350 days of experience working in a child care program to apply for a Master Teacher Permit.