24 Unit Child and Family Education Specialization with Core 8 Option

This 24-unit Child and Family Education stackable certificate is tailored to meet the specific Early Childhood Education requirements of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teachers in California. It fulfills the essential 24-unit coursework mandate outlined by the California Early Childhood Education Permit by providing the option to explore specialized Core 8 Courses aligned with the California Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project (CORE 8). This flexible and comprehensive program equips educators with foundational Child Development knowledge and the opportunity to delve deeper into areas of early childhood education that align with their interests. Graduates emerge prepared to excel in Early Learning classrooms, implement developmentally appropriate teaching practices, engage families effectively, and specialize in specific aspects of early childhood education, impacting young children's lives and their families.  Qualifies students to apply for a teacher permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credential Experience (either paid and/or volunteer). Students must also have in-class experience equalizing 175 days of teaching experience, working at least 3 + hours per day within four years in an approved setting by the department and licensed setting. 

Based on Datamart data, it is projected that 450 students will be enrolled, and there will be ten completers.

Ultimately, our program is dedicated to nurturing educators who will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and their families in California’s early learning landscape and are driven by a deep commitment to fostering early learning and child development in California.  Our primary objective are as follows:

Early Learning Pedagogical Excellence: The primary goal of this program is to equip Early Learning teachers with the essential knowledge and skills, ensuring they excel in Early Childhood Education classrooms. Our aim is for graduates to confidently employ research-based teaching methods and effectively address the unique developmental needs of young learners.

CORE 8 Specialization: For those opting to explore the Core 8 Courses, our goal is to provide a specialized pathway for educators to enhance their expertise in specific areas of early childhood education. We aspire for graduates to emerge as specialists in their chosen Core 8 domain, offering enriched learning experiences to young children.

Family Engagement and Community Collaboration: Another key objective is to emphasize the importance of family engagement and community partnerships in early childhood education. Our goal is for educators to recognize the value of these connections and be equipped with strategies to foster strong relationships between schools, families, and communities.

Holistic Child and Family Education: We aim to instill in our graduates a holistic perspective on child and family education. The goal is for them to understand the interconnectedness of children's development, family dynamics, and community influences, ensuring a well-rounded approach to teaching and supporting young children.

California ECE Permit Compliance: As a foundational goal, we aim to ensure that all program participants opting for the Core 8 pathway, meet the mandatory 24-unit requirement stipulated by the California Early Childhood Education Permit. Our goal is for every graduate to possess the necessary qualifications to work as an early learning professional in California.

Career Advancement: Beyond compliance, we aim to provide a pathway for career advancement. Graduates should be well-prepared to advance their careers in early childhood education, whether in TK settings or other related fields.

Positive Impact: Ultimately, our overarching goal is for graduates of the Certificate in Child and Family Education program to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families. We aspire for our educators to be change-makers in the field, shaping the future of early childhood education in California.

This program is dedicated to nurturing educators who will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and their families in California’s early learning landscape and are driven by a deep commitment to fostering early learning and child development in California, which matches with AVC's goals and mission for students.

24 units are required for the program certificate of achievement.