Child Development Lead Teacher
Certificate of Achievement Child Development and Education · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
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
Program Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Requirements
Review Certificate Requirements.
| 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 | 3.5 |
| CDE A277 | Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs | 2 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Complete a specialization certificate listed below: | 9-12 | |
| Total Units | 43.5-46.5 | |
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
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 A126 | Teaching in a Diverse Society |
| CDE A131 | Creativity for Children |
| CDE A180 | Child, Growth and Development |
| CDE A155 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CDE A127 |
| CDE A156 |
| CDE A190 |
| Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| CDE A157 |
| CDE A165 |
| CDE A200 |
| Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CDE A201 |
| CDE A277 |
| Complete One Course From Specialization Certificate 1 |