Early Childhood Studies Master Teacher - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The Early Childhood Studies Master Teacher Certificate of Acheivement will prepare students with the education required to provide service in the care, development, and instruction of children in an early care and education setting while supervising teachers, associate level teachers, and aids.  Students will be prepared to serve as a coordinator of curriciculum and staff development. The certificate meets the education requirements associated with the State of California Commission for Teacher Credentialing Child Development Permit Matrix Master Teacher Permit. This certificate also meets Community Care Licensing requirements to teach preschool-aged children in a licensed childcare facility.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

develop environments that honor the diversity of the learning community through empowerment, equity, respect, and dignity

Value and cultivate collaborative family and community relationships.

Identify, develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and teaching practices to positively guide children's behavior and learning.

Identify and implement observation, documentation and other assessment strategies.

Understand and apply child development theories and principles.

 

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

The Early Childhood Studies Master Teacher certificate will include 48-50 required units. Thirty-two units in the ECS discipline and 16-18 general education degree applicable units.  General education courses must include minimally one course from each of the following categories: English/Language, Math or Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

Plus a minimum of 6 units selected from the following

6 units
ECS 111
Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
Introduction to the administration of early childhood education programs. Students will study the principles and practices in the supervision and administration of various kinds of early care and education programs, including program planning and philosophies, organizational structure, financial management, personnel administration, staff leadership, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and advocacy for children and families.
  1. Prerequisite: ECS 106
          ECS 150
          Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
          This course covers effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and developing strategies for establishing collaboration and communication for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.
          1. Prerequisite: ECS 106
                  ECS 112
                  Introduction to Young Children with Disabilities
                  Introduces the variations in development of young children with special needs and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. (S2)
                  1. Advisories: ECS 100
                          ECS 113
                          Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs
                          Course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. (F2)
                          1. Advisories: ECS 100
                          2. Advisories: ECS 112
                                  ECS 117
                                  Teaching Strategies for Multilingual Learners

                                  Examines demographic characteristics and home, school, and community contexts of young multilingual Learners and an overview of the role of early childhood professionals in the process of implementing developmentally appropriate education models.

                                            ECS 123
                                            Achieving Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom

                                            Examine policies, procedures and preferences for organizational and professional access and equity in the contexts of culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, ability, and gender. Explore aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as potential assets in creating rich and proactive productive professional environments. Students will then apply the knowledge they gain from these explorations in the classroom setting. 

                                            1. Prerequisite: ECS 116
                                              1. D3 - Ethnic Studies
                                              2. D7 - Interdisciplinary Social or Behavioral Science
                                              1. Category 3: Humanities
                                                ECS 115
                                                Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
                                                Students will be able to apply current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. This course examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months.
                                                1. Prerequisite: ECS 151
                                                        ECS 151
                                                        Infant and Toddler Development
                                                        A study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Course emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development.