Infant and Toddler

This certificate will prepare students to work in the childcare field, focusing on infants and toddlers, including California State funded and Head Start programs. Other Infant Toddler career positions can be found in private homes, child development centers, and human service agencies. This Certificate of Achievement can be used as an ECE Specialization when combined with the Child Development Certificate of Achievement and ECE 37 (Adult Supervision). Students can then apply for the Child Development Master Teacher Permit issued by the Commission on Teaching Credentialing. For the Master Teacher Permit, 350 days of 3 or more hours per day of experience is required.

Students who complete this program should be able to:

1. 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 infants and toddlers and their families.
2. Recognize the importance of early childhood (emphasis on infancy) as a unique time in children’s development that requires specialized developmentally appropriate activities, routines, interactions, and guidance.
3. Plan and implement a curriculum based on a blend of routine caregiving and play/exploration activities.
4. Learn and practice professional ethics, personal and social responsibility, and effective team membership in their work as child care professionals.

Required courses