Child Development - Emphasis in Early Ch...

The Associate in Arts in Child Development - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation is for students interested in teaching at the Early Childhood Education level (infants, toddlers and preschool-age children). Students will engage in coursework as well as fieldwork and clinical practice at a Rancho Santiago Community College Laboratory School that will prepare them to teach young children.  Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and creating and implementing a high-quality classroom environment for children. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children.  Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to apply for the Child Development Teacher Permit, the early childhood education credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing which is required to teach in Title 5 programs. This includes federally funded programs (Head Start) as well as state-funded programs (school districts). The curriculum is designed for students who seek subject matter preparation for early childhood education teaching consistent with the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.