The Early Childhood Education Credential is a 36-unit program designed to prepare teachers for preschool through third grade. This program provides educators with the knowledge and skills to create and implement developmentally appropriate, research-based learning experiences. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where future educators build a solid foundation in child development, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessments of academic, intellectual, social, and motor skills.
The curriculum focuses on effective pedagogical approaches for early learners in literacy, English language development, and STEM. Students will explore key areas such as:
- The science of learning
- Teaching for social justice
- Special education
- Assessment
Play-based and activity-based teaching methods are integrated throughout the coursework, emphasizing hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Additional courses focus on:
- Fostering a supportive classroom environment
- Strengthening family engagement
- Advancing professional teaching practices
Ultimately, students will apply their learning in two supervised student teaching practicums, each consisting of 240 hours: one in a preschool or transitional kindergarten setting and another in a kindergarten through third-grade classroom.
