Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher Certificate Crafton - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
Requirements for transfer to another College/University may differ from associate degree requirements. Consult with a Counselor!
Please be advised: Online courses vary by semester. Refer to the current Class Schedule for accurate online course availability.
Honors Courses are also available. Contact the College Honors Institute for more information and membership requirements.

The TK Certificate prepares elementary school teachers to create and implement developmentally appropriate environments and curriculum for preschool aged children in Transitional Kindergarten(TK) classrooms.

Courses By Semester

The certificate program is structured to be completed over four semesters, with students enrolling in two courses per semester. While it is possible to complete the program in three semesters by following a 3-3-2 course pattern, this accelerated pace is not considered feasible for individuals who are already working full-time as teachers.

The certificate consists of eight 3-unit courses, totaling 24 Child Development (CD) units, as required by the state.

*Note: Many certificated teachers may have already completed the introductory course, CD 105. If so, CD 137 can be moved to the first semester to maintain a two-course schedule. The final semester would then consist of a single course.

 

Enrollment and Completer Projections

It is anticipated that 15–20 students will complete the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher certificate program at the end of each four-semester cycle. With one cohort admitted per year, the program aims to graduate 15–20 students annually.

 

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Utilize early childhood observation and assessment tools.

Create and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classrooms.

Identify characteristics of development during the preschool years as they relate to growth and learning in math, science, literacy, emotions, and social interaction.

Program Map

O Available Online
GE General Education
Program Requirement

1st Semester

6 units
CDEV C1000
Child Growth and Development
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories.

Course Details:

CDEV 132
Introduction to Curriculum
This course presents an overview of the knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children birth to age six. Students will examine a teacher's role in supporting development and engagement for all young children. The course provides strategies for developmentally appropriate practice based on observation and assessment across the curriculum.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000
  2. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000H

2nd Semester

6 units
CDEV 133
STEM for Young Children
This course focuses on the development of math and science concepts in early childhood as well as the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and environments. Students will study what science, technology, engineering, and mathematics look like in early childhood and how to support exploration, concept development, problem solving and self confidence in STEM.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000
  2. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000H
CDEV 134
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
Study and application of developmentally appropriate whole language, listening, literacy, and literature experiences for children. Use of conversations, literature, storytelling, flannel boards, finger plays, dramatic play, and other varied media to support language and literacy development in young children.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000
  2. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000H

3rd Semester

6 units
CDEV 212
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
Introduction to observation methodologies and assessment tools used in the field of early childhood education for the purpose of assessing and documenting child development, environments, classroom practices and interactions as well as understanding their relationship to curriculum and planning.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000
  2. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000H
CDEV 250
Guidance of Young Children
This course presents a developmental approach to the guidance and discipline of young children. Effective guidance theories and methods based on development are presented for teachers and professionals working with children, including children with special needs. Effective communication methods for early childhood educators working with children and their parents will be emphasized.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000
  2. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000H

Apply for Graduation!

Now that you are enrolled in your last semester of classes, it's time to apply for Graduation! Schedule an appointment with a counselor to complete a Graduation Check to make sure you are on track towards earning your degree/certificate. During your appointment, the counselor can assist you with submitting your Graduation Application. Feel free to review the Steps to Graduation prior to your appointment and be aware of the Graduation Application Deadlines found on Step 2.

Remember: you must RSVP in March if you would like to participate in the Commencement Ceremony held in May! We look forward to celebrating with you.

4th Semester

6 units
CDEV 137
Play and Materials in Early Learning
This course introduces the theory and pedagogies of play and inquiry-based learning and explores the importance of play in children's development. The course focuses on theory, research, and the impact of play and play materials on all areas of development in young children. Child-centered approaches are examined with a focus on using environments and resources to support learning and development.

Course Details:

CDEV 182
Diversity & Child Development
This course examines the influence of diversity on all domains of child development. It addresses influences such as culture, race, socio-economic class, abilities and ethnicity on children's physical cognitive and social-emotional development. Theory and research as well as practical implications for working with children and families in an early childhood setting are addressed.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000
  2. Departmental Recommendation: CDEV C1000H