Department website: https://www.cerritos.edu/child-development/

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

The 18-unit CORE PLUS Certificate is designed to meet both the minimum requirements of the Department of Social Services to teach in licensed private preschools and childcare programs and to complete an early childhood education specialty focus. The goal is to provide students coursework to move directly into the workforce while working toward an AA degree. Completion of the CORE PLUS Certificate combined with work experience allows students to be eligible for the Associate Teacher level of the Permit.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Student create highly engaging, stimulating, and safe learning environments which promote the healthy development of young children.
• Student demonstrate competence in their self selected area of specialization (i.e, Infant/Toddler, Special Education, or Curriculum).
• Students are examine children's individuals differences and plan intentional learning experiences based on the unique development abilities and interests of the children in their case.
• Students explain early childhood and child development theories to inform their teaching principles and practices.
• Students observe, analyze and document children's learning development.
• Students value positive relationships with others and demonstrate an inclusive approach in their interactions with children, family, colleagues, and staff.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code Number	Course Title	Units
Required Courses
CD 110	Child Development	3.0
CDEC 111	Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education	3.0
CDEC 112	Introduction to Curriculum	3.0
CDEC 113	The Child, Family, and Community	3.0
6 additional units within Specialty Options Selected from Infant/Toddler Specialization, Special Education specialization, or ECE Curriculum Planning Specialization (Select 1 specialty option)
Infant/Toddler Specialization		6.0
CDIT 151	Infant and Toddler Development (3)
CDIT 152	Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3)
OR Special Education Specialization
CDSE 150	Introduction to Children with Special Needs (3)
CDSE 152	Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs (3)
OR ECE Curriculum Planning Specialization
Select two of the following:
CDEC 62	Exploring Creative Art Expression by Children (3)
CDEC 63	Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts and Social Sciences (3)
CDEC 65	Music and Movement for Children (3)
CDEC 133	Early Childhood Experiences in Mathematics and Science (3)
Total Units		18