Build Your Future in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate Program prepares the student to provide service in the care, development and instruction of children in a licensed early care and education program. The certificate requires the completion of 30 units of which 27 are in required courses. An additional 3 units minimum must be selected from restricted electives. A grade of “C” or better is required in each course taken. In many of the courses taken in this program, students will study, observe and learn utilizing the Child Development Laboratory Instructional Classrooms.
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Know and understand the established as well as recent theories of child development.
- Recognize and challenge issues of bias that children, individuals and families experience.
- Analyze and think critically about the teacher’s comprehensive role in early learning and development settings.
- Recognize and evaluate the interrelationships of the child, family, school and greater community
- Design quality early childhood programs and curriculum.
Degrees & Certificates
- Apply online at fullcoll.edu
- Apply for financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
- Take the online orientation
- Take assessment exam
- Meet with a Counselor
- Update Personal info in My Gateway
- Register for classes
- Pay fees
Tom Chiaromonte, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair
714.992.7497
tchiaromonte@fullcoll.edu
Karin Pavelek, M.S., Professor
714.992.7501
kpavelek@fullcoll.edu
Jennifer Kinkel, M.A., Professor
714.992.7498
jkinkel@fullcoll.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost is $46 per unit. Non-resident tuition: $258 per unit PLUS enrollment fees (Non-Resident Tuition includes $19.00 Capital Outlay fee per Ed Code 76141).
Costs may vary; please visit website for more information: http://admissions.fullcoll.edu/fees-refunds/.
This can be completed in 3 semesters, depending on the amount of units taken.
Career opportunities upon completion of this certificate include:
Average Salary: $50,020 – $104,220
• Teacher Assistant
• Teacher
• Lead Teacher
Employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Parents who work will continue to need the assistance of childcare workers. In addition, the demand for preschools and childcare facilities, and consequently childcare workers, should remain strong because early childhood education is widely recognized as important for a child’s intellectual and emotional development.
However, the increasing cost of childcare and the growth in the number of stay-at-home parents may reduce demand for childcare workers.
Contact Our Department
Tom Chiaromonte, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Chair
Average Salary in this Field
$50,020 to
$104,220 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Teacher Assistant
Lead Teacher
Like what you're learning?
Get Started Today!
News & Events
Student Success Stories
“I am from Mexico City and I arrived here when I was eighteen. I thought about what I should do with my life. In Mexico, I used to make my own clothes but I didn’t know I was into fashion until I got here. Fullerton College has put me in a state where I want more and this is just the beginning. Fullerton College made me future built!”
Fashion Design
"The thing I love the most is knowing that I can change someone’s life for the better. Your environment can really impact your happiness. I realized I could turn my passion into a career at Fullerton College which I am really grateful for. The professors are extremely knowledgeable about the program and helping their students succeed and getting them into their desired field."
Interior Design