Based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Preparation Standards for Initial Licensure, this program focuses on building the knowledge, skills and dispositions that early childhood educators need to provide high quality, inclusive early care and education for children ages birth to eight in a variety of settings. The program is designed to complement previous early childhood educational training and fieldwork (typically received in community colleges) and provide students with the depth of study required for entry into graduate studies in early childhood.
Throughout the program, students apply their learning through fieldwork experiences in at least one of the following age groups: birth to three, three to five, and five to eight. Fieldwork must be completed in at least one of the following settings: primary or elementary school, childcare center or home, and Head Start.
Please note that this program is only available to California residents.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Research-based Practice: Integrate brain research and evidence based practices that support development and learning across the curriculum.
- Child Development: Integrate child development theories into classroom practices.
- Reciprocal Relationships: Develop plans to promote child, family and community relationships that enhance children's and learning.
- Responsive Environments: Create learning environments that maximize child development, learning, health, and safety.
- Comprehensive Assessments: Employ formal and informal assessment procedures to gather child and family information to provide meaningful programs and curricula.
- Ethical Practice: Implement the NAEYC Code of Ethics and demonstrate professional behaviors.
- Embracing Diversity: Create classroom environments and curriculum that acknowledge and celebrate children and families’ diversity.