Early Childhood Development

Certificate Program

The California State University, East Bay Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares graduates for employment as early childhood teachers and care providers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in public or private settings, including home care centers.

Depending on students’ background, needs, and career goals, the program offers two certificate options: the Associate Teacher Permit Track and the Teacher Permit Track.

Students who plan to apply for the Associate Teacher Permit from California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) should complete the coursework for the Associate Teacher Permit Track, which will also fulfill the academic course requirements for a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.  Students who plan to apply for the Teacher Permit from the CTC should complete the coursework for the Teacher Permit Track, which will also fulfill the academic course requirements for a Child Development Teacher Permit.

The Associate Teacher Permit authorizes the holder to provide services in the care, development, and instruction of children in a childcare and development program, and supervise a CDP assistant and aide. The Teacher Permit expands on the holder’s duties to also supervise a CDP Associate Teacher, among other responsibilities. To learn more about how to apply for an Associate Teacher Permit or a Teacher Permit, visit the CTC Web site: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/child-dev-permits.html

The program’s courses can also fulfill course requirements for the Cal State East Bay B.A. in Human Development with an Early Childhood Development Option.You can learn more about this degree program here: http://class.csueastbay.edu/humandev/Degrees_And_Programs.php

The Certificate in Early Childhood Development Academic Program is offered completely online and is particularly suited for students who are either working full-time or would need to commute a long distance to the nearest campus. The online-only format makes the program convenient for anyone in the world, not just those who live or work in the San Francisco East Bay Area. The certificate is also cohort-based with a designated faculty advisor to ensure high-quality student advising and a high rate of student success.

Program Objectives

By successfully completing this program, students will:

• Acquire a comprehensive knowledge of major theories and research findings about the biological, physical, cognitive, linguistic, social/emotional, artistic/creative aspects of early childhood development, and the impact of family and community on early childhood development
• Develop the ability to critically read and consume information, policies, curricula materials, and research findings on early childhood development
• Develop the ability to critically reflect on their daily classroom practices, make appropriate modifications of their curricula activities, and creatively find solutions to emerging problems in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) settings
• Develop the ability to conscientiously advocate for the best ECE practices, policies, and social and political climate
• Fulfill the “academic course” requirements for either the Associate Teacher or Teacher Permit issued by CTC

Who Should Attend

• Students who are planning to enter the early childhood care and education work force, or those who have just begun entry-level Early Childhood Education (ECE) careers.
• Students who are prepared to undertake upper-division level coursework, e.g. have completed at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable college credits, and/or an Associate degree or Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than ECE.
• Students who desire to pursue  a career in ECE but cannot attend such courses in person on a university campus due to time or geographic location constraints.
• Students interested in learning about ECE.
• Students interested in applying for admission to CSUEB in the future in order to earn a B.A. in Human Development with Option in Early Childhood Development, but who are not currently prepared to transfer to CSUEB as a junior because they lack certain G.E. course requirements.

Program Highlights