Child Development CORE PLUS (CERT)
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
- Create highly engaging, stimulating, and safe learning environments that promote the holistic development of young children.
- Examine children's individual differences and plan intentional learning experiences based on the unique developmental abilities and interests of the children in their care.
- Apply critical thinking skills to explain early childhood and child development theories to inform teaching principles and practices.
- Observe, analyze, and document children's learning and development while demonstrating proficiency in written and oral communication.
- Value positive relationships with others and demonstrate an inclusive and culturally responsive approach in interactions with children, families, colleagues, staff, and community.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and 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 | |
| Infant and Toddler Development (3) | ||
| Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3) | ||
| OR Special Education Specialization | ||
| Introduction to Children with Special Needs (3) | ||
| Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs (3) | ||
| OR ECE Curriculum Planning Specialization | ||
Select two of the following: | ||
| Exploring Creative Art Expression by Children (3) | ||
| Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts and Social Sciences (3) | ||
| Music and Movement for Children (3) | ||
| Early Childhood Experiences in Mathematics and Science (3) | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |