The Certificate of Achievement in Child Development - Infant/Toddler Teacher provides students with a specialized focus on the unique strengths and needs of infants and toddlers. Students will study the comprehensive development of the young child, birth to three years, with a focus on understanding current brain research and best caregiving practices. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators and health care professionals.

In addition to the 36.5 units of Child Development coursework and 16 units of general education, students should consider completing the general education requirements for the AA Degree in Child Development with an Emphasis in Preschool-Age Care and Development.

This certificate meets the coursework requirements of the Teacher Child Development Permit and prepares students to be competent and effective teachers and caregivers in infant and toddler classrooms.

In order to earn the permit, students must complete the following:

✓ 16 units of general education, specifically a class in each of the following areas: English, Science or Math, Social Science, and Humanities/Fine Arts.

✓Additional work experience with young children (175 days of 3 hours per day within 4 years).

These two requirements will also qualify the students to earn a California Teacher Permit, which is used in federal and state early childhood programs as well as licensing regulations for private and faith-based programs. Contact Career Technical Education (CTE) counselors at SAC for additional assistance in planning your early childhood profession (714-564-6254).

A minimum grade of "C" in each course is required to earn this certificate and the California permit.