Term Effective: Fall 1981

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Child Development Associate Teacher Skills Certificate meets requirements for the Associate Teacher level of the Child Development Permit issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Preparation. This certificate program represents the first rung of a career ladder. Students completing this certificate program may continue with the Child Development Teacher Certificate to enhance their employment opportunities. Students frequently find jobs in both publicly funded and private centers for early care and education.

Job titles include Teacher Aide, Assistant Child Care Worker, Associate Preschool Teacher.

Employers generally report that it is very difficult to find applicants who meet their hiring standards. This indicates a very good outlook for qualified job seekers.

Students interested in a suggested order for taking classes in this program, can view the recommended course sequence. More information about Early Childhood Development programs can be found at the Child Development website.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the needs, characteristics, and multiple influences on the development of children.
2. describe the components of high quality care and education programs;
3. evaluate play based environments and design activities that support positive, developmentally appropriate learning outcomes for all young children;
4. identify effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children's social learning, identity, and self-esteem;
5. describe strategies that promote constructive relationships between programs, teachers, families, and their communities; and
6. demonstrate familiarity with the ethical standards and professional behaviors that deepen understanding, knowledge, and commitment to the early childhood care and education profession.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.

It is important that students who are completing an Associate Degree and desire to transfer to a four-year institution meet with a counselor to plan their lower division coursework. While many majors at SRJC are intended to align with lower division major preparation required by California public universities, specific lower-division major requirements vary among individual campuses. See a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, and check Guides For Transfer in Specific Majors, and ASSIST to review transfer preparation guides for specific schools and majors.

Notes:

A grade of "C" or better is required for all certificate courses.