This course introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today's contemporary schools, Pre-K, T-K, Kindergarten through the 12th grade. Topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary education issues, California's content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork in public school elementary classrooms that represent California's diverse student population, and includes cooperation with at least one carefully selected and campus-approved certificated classroom teacher.

Concentrating on the portions of the lifespan from middle childhood continuing through adolescence and addressing both typical and atypical children. Biological changes such as puberty, brain, cognitive development, changes in family and peer relationships, and identity development will be explored. Includes an understanding of the various contexts in which this age group develops, such as family, peer groups, school, and work. Emphasis will be on interactions between the maturational process, environmental factors, continuity, observation, scientific methods, and stages of development.

Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Focuses on building relationships with families and the community. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program.

Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.

Methods and principles of mentoring and supervising adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis on the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors and leaders to new teachers and other adults while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, families and other staff.

Direct experience working with young children in special day classes or inclusive settings; application of intervention strategies and best practices of early childhood development and special education in adapting curriculum to meet the individual needs of children. Observation of the assessment process by the special education team and assisting in the implementation of the educational plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working in partnership with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. Lab hours required in an inclusive classroom setting.

This course will provide students with an introduction to teaching and education as a profession. It will provide an overview of teaching opportunities, requirements, educational pathways and certifications in California in a range of school settings including early childhood education, Transitional Kindergarten, K-12 (elementary, middle and high school), and community college. The course will address the qualities, skills and dispositions of an effective teacher, and critical issues in diverse contemporary classrooms. Career opportunities and labor market demand for teachers as well as other career pathways in education will be covered. ECD 208 is an introductory level (non-credit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in education and teacher preparation. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.

This course is for those who are interested in working with children and want to gain a basic understanding of child development and how to effectively interact with and supervise children. It will include an introduction to the concepts of child development, major developmental milestones from 0-18, realistic behavior expectations, and a discussion of what is considered developmentally appropriate practice. Effective communication, positive behavior guidance, and social and cultural factors related to equity in educational settings will also be addressed. ECD 209 is an introductory level (non-credit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in child development and education. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.

Growth and development of infants/toddlers aged 0-36 months: Physical, cognitive, psycho-social, and creative development; influence of environment on development; feeding concerns; and the child's impact on the family. Course topics include an introduction of different temperament tendencies; stages of social-emotional development and socialization and guidance, and practices/program policies that best support the healthy social-emotional development. The course also looks into families and family culture. ECD 210 is an introductory level (noncredit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in infant/toddler care. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.

The essential policies, principles, and effective practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months are examined. The course introduces principles of developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants/toddlers. Play, language and learning experiences including use of materials and equipment in infant/toddler settings will be introduced. ECD 211 is an introductory level (noncredit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in infant/toddler care and care setting. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.