About Early Childhood Education Practitioner

This Certificate provides the Early Childhood Education Practitioner with a course of study that satisfies multiple requirements and content needs.

The core licensing requirements required by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing are satisfied as well as the courses required for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Child Development Permit. Students interested in working as a classroom teacher in ECE, early elementary (TK) or similar settings will develop the foundational knowledge of how children learn and grow and what they need for optimal development in a range of settings.

Explore Potential Careers

An ECE Practitioner Certificate can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!

  • Early Childhood Teacher

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish.

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals.

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 53 Child Growth and Development 3
CDEV 65 Orientation to ECE Principles and Practice 3
CDEV 66 Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum 3
CDEV 67 Child, Family, and Community 3

Total Units: 12

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 72, 73, 92, or 93 Supervised Field Experience in Early Childhood Education,  Observing and Assessing Young Children, Health, Safety and Nutrition in Early Childhood Programs, or Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3
Choose 3 units Depth elective courses -- see catalog 3

Total Units: 6

Transfer Options

If you're interested in pursuing future study, check out the AS degree in Child Development and Family Studies or the AS-T Transfer Degree in Early Childhood Education to transfer to SFSU or another CSU!

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.