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Early Childhood Studies: Special Education

Award Type: Certificate of Achievement

Completion of Special Education would quality students up to a Master Teacher-level permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This prepares the student to work in Title 5, Title XXII and federally funded programs.

The graduate of the Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Studies: Special Education will:

  • Understand and apply child development theories and principles.
  • Identify and implement observation, documentation and other assessment strategies.
  • 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.
  • Develop self-reflective habits and grow as members of the early childhood profession to understand the complexities of working with diverse groups of families, children, staff and the community.
  • Develop an environment that honors the diversity of the learning community - through empowerment, equity, respect and dignity.

Program Requirements

A total of 41 units is required for the certificate.

Required core courses (38 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
ASL 120 American Sign Language 1 3.0
ECS 100 Child Growth and Development 3.0
ECS 101 Child, Family and Community 3.0
ECS 102 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition 3.0
ECS 104 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 3.0
ECS 105 Observation and Assessment 3.0
ECS 106 Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum 3.0
ECS 112 Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs 3.0
ECS 113 Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs 3.0
ECS 118 Practicum: Preschool 3.0
ECS 119 Practicum: Infant/Toddler 3.0
ECS 122 Positive Child Guidance 3.0
LS 312 Adaptive Computer and Learning Skills 2.0

Plus a minimum of 3 units selected from the following:

Course Number Course Title Units
EDUC 133 Technology For Educators 3.0
ECS 303 Introduction to Early Childhood 2.0
ECS 310 Art for Young Children 0.5
ECS 311 Creating Learning Materials 0.5
ECS 312 Music for Early Childhood Educators 0.5