Early Childhood Education - Inclusion Specialist
Certificate of Achievement Level 2 Early Childhood Education · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
San José City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree and various Certificates of Achievement in Early Childhood Education (ECE). The Inclusion Specialist - Certificate of Achievement - Level 2 prepares students to work in the field of special education. Students will learn to integrate developmentally appropriate practices in promoting intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in children with special needs. Throughout this program students work on developing skills for professional communication and interaction with children with special needs, and their parents who come from diverse backgrounds. Students learn to collaborate with professionals such as therapists and counselors who work with children with special needs. They will also learn about the legal requirements and laws regarding children with special needs. Graduates of the program qualify through academic preparation and field experience for work in child centers, pre-schools, day care facilities, infant and toddler centers, and other programs serving young children with special needs.
Students interested in a Child Development Permit should meet with ECE Program Coordinator to discuss additional course work required by the California Department of Education.
A grade of "C" or better is required in all ECE major, certificate and major elective courses.
CAREER OPTIONS:
- Special education teacher for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
- Para professionals like assistant therapists
- Inclusion specialists
- Inclusive curriculum coordinators
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe atypical development among children associated with various physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities.
- Design healthy, safe, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments to support the inclusion of children with special needs and their families coming from diverse backgrounds.
- Describe Federal, State, and local regulations that impact children with special needs and their families.
Requirements
Certificate Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 020 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECE 102 | Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| ECE 107 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 108 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Child Care | 3 |
| ECE 145 | The Child With Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE 149 | Inclusion of Children With Special Needs | 3 |
| FCS 070 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 150 | Practicum Experience in an Inclusive Classroom 1 | 3 |
| orECE 101B | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | |
| Total Units | 24 | |