Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Degree
& Certificates
Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer
Required Courses
Dept. /No. – Title – Units
CD-010 Child Development – 4
CD-012 Child, Family, and Community – 3
CD-014 Principles & Practices in Early Childhood Education – 3
CD-015 Child Development Practicum – 3
CD-030 Introduction to Curriculum – 3
CD-044 Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition – 3
CD-074 Living and Teaching in a Diverse Society – 3
CD-075 Observation and Assessment – 3
Total Units for the Major – 25 units
General Education (CSU GE or IGETC) Units – 37-39
Transferable elective units as needed.
MINIMUM TRANSFERABLE UNITS – 60
Advisor: K. Martin
Program Map
Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate their ability and commitment to design, facilitate, and assess relationship-based learning environments and experiences that are based in theoretical principles that optimally nurture children’s growth and development. (Institutional SLOs: Critical Thinking) 2. Demonstrate and apply professional and ethical standards of behavior in the workplace with children, families, and coworkers. (Institutional SLOs: Communication and Ethics) 3. Research, appraise, and discuss child advocacy issues and methods based on historical and current public policy and legislation. (Institutional SLOs: Critical Thinking and Information Competency) 4. Articulate a personal growth pathway that supports ongoing development of reflective practice. (Institutional SLOs: Personal Development)
Early Childhood Education for Transfer Overview
Copper Mountain College’s Early Childhood Education program is designed for students wishing to transfer to a four-year institution and/or work in the early education field.
Students prepare to work in a variety of childcare settings while completing degree applicable coursework, observing, and interning in local early care settings.
The academic program leads towards an Associate in Science degree that can transfer into continued study suitable for a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or Family Studies.
As they progress through the degree program, students can earn certificates by meeting qualifications they need to obtain California Child Development Permits (Associate Teacher & Teacher) that are required to work in Head Start and State Preschool programs. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.
Both Early Childhood Education and general education coursework leading to Certificates or the Associate in Science degree must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
There is an additional work experience requirement at some of the California Child Development Permit levels.
Early Childhood Education Certificates
Copper Mountain College’s certificate program is designed to fully prepare students for a career in early childhood education. Students prepare to work in a variety of childcare settings while acquiring the fundamental knowledge and competencies needed to design and facilitate developmentally-appropriate learning environments and experiences that optimally nurture young children’s growth and development.
The focus of the Associate Teacher and Teacher certificate program is to insure that students are highly-qualified and ready to teach in privately-owned/operated preschool programs and child care centers by going above the minimum State Licensing Title XXII requirements (12 units of ECE coursework) in terms of instruction and practice in order to strengthen and enhance their employability.
Certificate of Achievement in Qualified Early Childhood Educator Certificate: TEACHER with emphasis on employment preparation
Required Courses:
Dept./ No. – Title – Units
CD-010 Child Development – 4
CD-012 Child, Family, and Community – 3
CD-014 Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education – 3
CD-015 Child Development Practicum – 3
CD-030 Introduction to Curriculum – 3
CD-074 Living & Teaching in a Diverse Society – 3
CD-075 Observation and Assessment – 3
CD-076 Guidance & Discipline for Young Children – 3
General Electives: Take at least sixteen (16) units choosing at least one (1) course in each of the following four categories: Math or Science; English or Language Arts; Humanities or Fine Arts; and Social Sciences. Note: General Elective courses may also count toward General Education requirements for the Associate’s Degree. Consultation with Child Development Faculty in choosing general elective courses is highly recommended.
Required Courses – 25 units
General Electives – 16 units
MINIMUM CERTIFICATE UNITS – 41
Advisor: K. Martin
Certificate of Achievement in Qualified Early Childhood Educator Certificate: ASSOCIATE TEACHER with emphasis on employment preparation
Required Courses
Dept. /No. – Title – Units
CD-010 Child Development – 4
CD-012 Child, Family, and Community – 3
CD-014 Principles & Practices in Early Childhood Education – 3
CD-030 Introduction to Curriculum – 3
CD-044 Health, Safety, & Nutrition in Early Childhood Education – 3
CD 019 Language Arts & Literacy for Young Children – 3
or
CD 040 Fostering Creativity for Young Children – 3
Required Courses – 19
MINIMUM CERTIFICATE UNITS – 19
Advisor: K. Martin
Our Purpose
Copper Mountain College’s Early Childhood Education Department prepares current and future early childhood educators to become highly qualified practitioners in order to strengthen and improve our community. Our program focuses on the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge required to provide high quality care and education for young children.
Early Childhood Education 2-year Course Cycle
Kim Martin, Advisor & Full-time Faculty
kmartin@cmccd.edu (760)366-3791 x 0452
Cherilyn Henderson, Adjunct Faculty
chenderson@cmccd.edu (760)366-3791 x 0464
Career Opportunities in Early Childhood Education: A degree in early childhood education lays the foundation for many other rewarding, exciting, and fulfilling careers.
- Early Childhood Educator
- Preschool Director/Owner
- Elementary Teacher
- School Counselor/Child Psychologist
- Play Therapist
- Tutor
- Coaching
- Education Administration
- Recreation Leader
- College Instructor
- Pediatric Nursing/Dentistry
Eligible CMC students have access to funds for educational expenses.
ECE/CD Student Career and Education Program Grant (click for details)
Child Development Permits and Stipends Program (click for details)