Academic Catalogs

Elementary Education Specialization, Certificate of Achievement

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 1_CM_CDEE

Control Number: 42134

Not Financial Aid Eligible


This certificate prepares students to work with K-12 children in a before and after school care program, or mentoring program. Includes the developmental stages of the school-age child, working with diverse populations, and an introduction to the profession of teaching. Students will gain experience volunteering in an elementary school classroom so that they can explore career opportunities in education. Courses emphasize strong theoretical and practical skills needed to work with children 5-8 years. Can be employed as a Before and After school care provider, tutor, or elementary classroom aide. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses. 

Program Outcome

Pathway for future Transitional Kindergarten and/or Elementary Teachers entering a Credential program, and satisfies the specialization unit requirement for the Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level. If paired with Child Development Lead Teacher certificate holder can be employed as Lead Preschool Teacher or Mentor Teacher.

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 Title Units
Required Courses
CDE A102Teaching in Diverse Contemporary Classrooms3
CDE A175The Teaching Profession3
CDE A182Middle Childhood Development and Guidance3
Restricted Electives
Select one course:3
Family, School and Community Partnerships
Introduction to the Exceptional Child
Total Units12