Child Development Master Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Early Childhood Education · Woodland Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This certificate builds on the Child Development Teacher Certificate of Achievement, requiring additional courses in a specialization area (infant/toddler care, before/after school care for school age children, or children with special needs). The additional coursework prepares students to work as Master Teachers in Early Childhood Care and Education programs.
Students with this certificate may be able to get jobs as Master Teachers at private organizations; state- and federally-funded centers require a state Child Development Permit, which has additional requirements (see Program Requirements).
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of professional ethics, personal and social responsibility, and effective team membership in their work as child care professionals.
- Develop and refine both non-verbal and verbal communication skills to enhance professionalism when working with children, families, and co-workers in the child care field.
- Develop competency in an area of specialization with infants and toddlers, school-age children, or children with special needs.
- Develop proficiency in supervising other adults in a childcare setting.
- Evaluate and analyze the use of different developmental theories and instructional strategies that encourage development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills when working with children and families.
Required Courses for Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 20 | |
| CDEV-C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE-1A | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| ECE-1B | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| ECE-11 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| ECE-31 | Child, Family, Community | 3 |
| ECE-37 | Adult Supervision | 2 |
| ECE-45 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Electives: Choose 6 units | 6 | |
| ECE-4 | Positive Social Development in Young Child | 3 |
| ECE-7 | Creative Materials | 3 |
| ECE-8 | Worldwide Arts for Children | 3 |
| ECE-10 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| ECE-27 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ECE-39 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| Specialization: Choose 6 units within the same specialization | 6 | |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-42 | Infant/Toddler Development | 3 |
| ECE-43 | Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-14 | The School Age Child | 3 |
| ECE-25 | Group Experiences in Outdoor Environment | 3 |
| Complete all of the following | 6 | |
| ECE-17 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE-18 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| Total units | 32 | |
The California Child Development Master Teacher Permit (required for jobs at state- and federally-funded programs), requires an additional 16 units of General Education (one course in each of four categories: English/Language Arts; Math or Science; Social Science; Humanities/Fine Arts). Students should see a counselor for help selecting General Education courses.
The California Child Development Master Teacher Permit also requires 350 days of experience at 3+ hours per day within 4 years.