Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Child Development · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Description
The Teacher certificate program is designed to prepare students for Head Teacher-level work in public or private childcare facilities. The option builds on the introductory skills and knowledge base that is needed to work in Early Care and Education through 12 additional Child Development units including observation and assessment, emergent literacy, operations of family child care, health, safety and nutrition and special needs. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the courses specified below. A Certificate of Achievement is indicated on the student's transcript.
Career Opportunities
Jobs in the field of Early Care and Education.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Identify & evaluate developmentally and culturally appropriate practices in the physical, temporal and interpersonal environments.
- Communicate effectively orally, and in writing on relevant topics in the field of Early Care and Education
- Work independently, and as a team member, in an effective manner.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 40 | |
| Core Courses: | 19 | |
| CHDEV 051 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CHDEV 53 | The Child, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| CHDEV 54A | Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning | 3 |
| CHDEV 54B | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| Choose a minimum of 12 units from the following courses: | 12 | |
| CHDEV 50 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CHDEV 52 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| CHDEV 55A | Practicum-Field Experience | 5 |
| CHDEV 55C | Advanced Practicum-Field Experience | 3 |
| CHDEV 60 | Emergent Literacy and Children's Literature | 3 |
| CHDEV 061 | Advanced Curriculum Development | 3 |
| CHDEV 62 | Overview of Operations of Family Child Care | 3 |
| CHDEV 68 | Play-Based Curriculum | 3 |
| CHDEV 74 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| CHDEV 80 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CHDEV 84 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CHDEV 246 | Emergent Topics: Best Practices for Working with Children | 0.5 |
| Choose 9 units of degree-applicable courses. | 9 | |