Infant/Toddler Teacher

Minimum Units Required: 18.0 units

The Infant/Toddler Certificate of Achievement provides foundational skills in the care of infants and toddlers. Students gain knowledge of young children’s social and emotional needs, how to create partnerships with families to provide culturally consistent and respectful care, and how to develop holistic play-based curriculum. Students will learn how to develop child care environments that are responsive to the needs of young children and skills for responsive interactions. Learning will be grounded in child development theories and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice. Students who complete the certificate meet the educational requirements to become a fully qualified associate teacher according to the Child Development Permit Matrix issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Community Care Licensing, Title 22. Additionally, students will have the infant and toddler units mandated by Title 22 to work with children under 3 years of age. Students who wish to work with young children must pass a criminal record fingerprint clearance and show proof of immunization at the time of employment. The Certificate of Achievement can be obtained by completing the 18-unit major with a minimum grade of C in each course or a P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to meet the social and emotional needs of infants and toddlers by utilizing knowledge of child development theories, family and cultural information, skills for responsive communication, and self-reflection practices.

• Develop play-based holistic curriculum for infants and toddlers based on observations of the child's interests and developmental levels

• Design childcare environments that demonstrates knowledge of the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the aesthetic principles that underlie a quality classroom

Program Requirements