Early Childhood Education: Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Level 2 Early Childhood Education · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
San Jose City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) and various Certificates of Achievement in Early Childhood Education (ECE). The three teacher focused certificates are aligned with the Child Development Permit (CDP) Matrix created by the California Department of Education. Per California Department of Education and Department of Justice, students will need to have TB clearance and fingerprinting to complete Certificate of Achievement – Level 2 and Level 3. Students planning to transfer to a 4-year university should follow the AS-T degree.
The Teacher - Certificate of Achievement – Level 2 (24 units) fulfills the ECE requirements for the Child Development Teacher permit. To qualify for the Child Development Teacher permit issued by the California Department of Education, students will also need an additional *16 units from approved General Education (GE) courses in order to meet the California Department of Education requirements. The Child Development Teacher permit authorizes the holder to provide service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a child care and development program, and supervise a CDP Associate Teacher, a CDP Assistant, and an aide.
* One course in each of four general education categories, which are degree applicable: English/Language Arts; Math or Science; Social Sciences; Humanities and/or Fine Arts.
Students interested in pursuing the Child Development Program Director permit should meet with SJCC’s ECE Program Coordinator for more information regarding requirements.
A grade of "C" or better is required in all ECE major, certificate and major elective courses.
CAREER OPTIONS (some career options may require a two or four-year degree):
- Child Care Assistant
- Child Care Associate Teacher
- Child Care Teacher
- Infant-Toddler Specialist
- Children Center's Teacher
- Family Child Care Provider
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe important milestones of a child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development.
- Explain the effects of family–staff relationships, family members, and the community on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of the child.
- Plan and assess developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children’s health, safety, and holistic development.
- Reflect on and critically assess one’s own teaching experiences in the classroom to inform practice and improve skills in working with children.
Requirements
Certificate Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | 21 | |
| FCS 070 | Child Development | 3 |
| ECE 020 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECE 101 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| ECE 101B | Practicum in Early Childhood Education 1 | 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 |
| Complete an additional 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ECE 104 | Art and Creativity for Children | |
| ECE 105 | Language Development for Young Children | |
| ECE 109 | Music, Movement, and Rhythm Activities for Children | |
| ECE 146 | Child Guidance and Discipline | |
| ECE 147 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | |
| ECE 191 | Infant Toddler Development | |
| Total Units | 24 | |
- ECE 101B must be taken at San José City College.