Child Development Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Early Childhood Education · Woodland Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This certificate builds on the Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement, requiring additional courses that prepare students to work as teachers in Early Childhood Care and Education programs.
Students with this certificate may be able to get jobs as 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Students will learn and practice professional ethics, personal and social responsibility, and effective team membership in their work as child care professionals.
Required Courses for Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 18 | |
| 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-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-17 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE-27 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ECE-42 | Infant/Toddler Development | 3 |
| ECE-39 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| Total units | 24 | |
The California Child Development 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 Teacher Permit also requires 175 days of experience at 3+ hours per day within 4 years.