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Foster a Strong Beginning

NOTE: This program has been sunset. If you are currently enrolled in the program, you may complete your coursework according to the planned schedule of offerings that was emailed to you. We are no longer accepting applications for new students.

The early years of a child's life are fundamental in shaping their overall development. Become part of their story by enrolling in our program to establish the essential skills and knowledge needed to promote a sound, well-structured beginning. Whether using this as a stepping stone to pursue a higher-level degree in Child Development, or looking to become an early care and education professional, this program has what you need. Building from the ground up, you will acquire best practices relating to the CDE Foundations of Preschool Learning and how to incorporate age and developmentally appropriate curricula in order to ensure that the emotional, social, creative, physical and cognitive needs of children are met.

  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $1,870

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Online

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    Duration 12-24 months *

    *Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
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    Total Units 25.5 Units

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

  • An overview of early childhood education with focus on the interrelationships among the child's environment and their physical, emotional, cognitive and social development
  • Methods for integrating developmentally appropriate experiences and best practices through research-based curricula
  • Reasons for how relationships affect children's behavior and development
  • The connections between home, school and community and their effects on the learning of children in different contexts
Individuals who plan to become a preschool teacher or early care and education professional, apply for an Assistant, Associate Teacher or Teacher Child Development Permit, and/or pursue an associate degree in Child Development.

Required Courses

Course Formats
Required.
Required (22.50 Units )
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies: Child Growth and DevelopmentStudies about early childhood education from a historical perspective and an examination of interrelationships among the child's environment and his/her physical, emotional, cognitive and social development.
4.50 Units
Role of Home, School and Community in Early Childhood EducationInterrelationships of the home, school, community and their effects on the learning of young children.
4.50 Units
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum in Early Childhood EducationMethods for integrating and implementing developmentally appropriate experiences in language, art, music, and science, with a focus on the emotional, social, creative, physical and cognitive needs of children from infancy through eight years of age.
4.50 Units
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young ChildrenExamination of the theoretical principles, developmentally appropriate practices and teaching strategies that support physical, social, creative and intellectual development for young children.
4.50 Units
Teaching in a Diverse SocietyDevelopment of social identities in diverse societies as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms and teaching.
4.50 Units
Elective
Elective (3.00 Units )
 
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
Education and Care of Infants and ToddlersPrinciples and procedures for the care of infant and toddlers in private and/or public child care programs.
5.00 Units
Parent (Family) Involvement in Early Childhood EducationInvolving parents in children's education, including opportunities to serve as volunteers in educational settings.
3.00 Units
 

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