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.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
CDE A126	Teaching in a Diverse Society	3
CDE A127	Health, Safety, and Nutrition	3
CDE A131	Creativity for Children	3
CDE A155	Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children	3
CDE A156	Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children	2
CDE A157	Guidance for Young Children	3
CDE A165	Observing and Recording Child Behavior	3
CDE A180	Child, Growth and Development	3
CDE A190	Family, School and Community Partnerships	3
CDE A200	ECE Program - The Curriculum	3
CDE A201	Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience	3
CDE A277	Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs	2
Restricted Electives
Complete a specialization certificate listed below:		9-12
Total Units		43-46

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