Child Development Assistant Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Child Development and Education · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This certificate prepares students to work as an Assistant teacher or Teacher Aide in an early care and education program. This includes understanding theories and stages of development, family and school connections, developing creative curriculum, and providing positive guidance strategies. Courses emphasize strong theoretical and practical skills needed to work with children 2-5 years and students will gain hands on experience in a preschool classroom. Courses fulfill Title 22 licensing requirements and Title 5 early childhood education course requirements for the Child Development Permit at the teacher level. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses.
Program Outcome
Program Learning Outcomes
- This certificate builds upon core knowledge and provides augmented skills and knowledge beyond the minimum requirements for employment. The holder can be employed as an Assistant Teacher, Teacher, or Teacher Aide in early care and education programs.
Requirements
Review Certificate Requirements.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CDE A155 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDE A180 | Child, Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDE A190 | Family, School and Community Partnerships | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select one course: | 2-3 | |
| CDE A156 | Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children | |
| CDE A157 | Guidance for Young Children | |
| Select one course: | 3 | |
| CDE A126 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | |
| CDE A130 | Language Arts for Children | |
| CDE A131 | Creativity for Children | |
| CDE A132 | Science and Math for Young Children | |
| Total Units | 14-15 | |
Program Sequence
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.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| CDE A155 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children |
| CDE A180 | Child, Growth and Development |
| CDE A190 | Family, School and Community Partnerships |
| CDE A156or CDE A157 | Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Childrenor Guidance for Young Children |
| Restricted Elective (CHOOSE ONE) | |
| CDE A126 | Teaching in a Diverse Society (or CDE A130 or CDE A131 or CDE A132) |
| Units | |
| Total Units |