Academic Catalogs

Child Development Lead Teacher, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CT_CDLT

Control Number: 42115

Not Financial Aid Eligible


This certificate prepares students to work as a Lead Teacher in early care and education programs serving children birth-5 years, and to supervise a Teacher, Associate teacher or Assistant. This includes developing curriculum, using authentic assessment measures, managing classroom environments and working collaboratively with colleagues and families to support children’s learning. Courses fulfill Title 22 licensing requirements and Title 5 early childhood education course requirements for the Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses. 

Program Outcome

Surpasses the child development requirements for the Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level, can be employed as a Lead preschool teacher or Mentor Teacher. This certificate provides comprehensive knowledge and skills and provides enhanced employability and is an indicator of professionalism.

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course Title Units
Required Courses
CDE A126Teaching in a Diverse Society3
CDE A127Health, Safety, and Nutrition3
CDE A131Creativity for Children3
CDE A155Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children3
CDE A156Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children2
CDE A157Guidance for Young Children3
CDE A165Observing and Recording Child Behavior3
CDE A180Child, Growth and Development3
CDE A190Family, School and Community Partnerships3
CDE A200ECE Program - The Curriculum3
CDE A201Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience3
CDE A277Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs2
Restricted Electives
Complete a specialization certificate listed below:9-12
Total Units43-46
Specialization Certificates

Child Development Administration Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Curriculum Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Elementary Education Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Infant and Toddler Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Working with Exceptional Children Specialization, Certificate of Achievement

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
CDE A126 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3
CDE A131 Creativity for Children 3
CDE A180 Child, Growth and Development 3
CDE A155 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 3
 Units12
Semester 2
CDE A127 Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3
CDE A156 Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children 2
CDE A190 Family, School and Community Partnerships 3
Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 3-4
 Units11-12
Year 2
Semester 1
CDE A157 Guidance for Young Children 3
CDE A165 Observing and Recording Child Behavior 3
CDE A200 ECE Program - The Curriculum 3
Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 3-4
 Units12-13
Semester 2
CDE A201 Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience 3
CDE A277 Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs 2
Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 3-4
 Units8-9
 Total Units43-46