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Shape the Start of a Child’s Life

Earn your California-ready Associate Teacher Certificate online. This flexible, affordable program blends practical coursework with 150 hours of field experience, giving you the skills to support young children’s growth and learning, and the credentials to move forward in early childhood education.

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  • Money in hand icon

    Est. Tuition $1,580

  • Computer and user icon

    Learning Format Online

  • Analog clock icon

    Duration 12 months *

    *Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
  • Gear or cog icon

    Total Units 18 Units

  • Understand how young children grow, learn, and develop
  • Create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments
  • Design developmentally appropriate activities and curriculum
  • Build strong partnerships with families and communities
  • Promote health, safety, and wellness in early education settings

  • No prior teaching experience required
  • Participants must complete 18 units of required coursework with a grade of C or better
  • 150 hours of supervised field experience at an accredited early childhood education site (50 days minimum, at least 3 hours per day)

  • Preschool associate teachers seeking formal certification
  • Special education assistants working with young children
  • Public school employees supporting early learners
  • Childcare providers looking to obtain the Associate Teacher permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
  • Social workers engaging with children and families in educational contexts
  • Anyone passionate about supporting children ages 0–8

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).

Required Courses

Course Formats
In addition to the required courses below, students are required to submit proof of completion of CPR and First Aid and 150 hours of field experience..
Required (18.00 Units )
 
WinterSpringSummerFall
An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies: Child Growth and DevelopmentStudies early childhood education from a historical perspective and includes principles, stages and prominent theories of growth and development.
4.50 Units
The 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 though eight years of age.
4.50 Units
Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Early Childhood EducationExamines the physical and health issues of children from birth to age eight.
4.50 Units

Getting Started

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your eduction, life and work schedules.

Mar26Spring 2026
Apr04Spring 2026
Future Dates
 

Your Journey Starts Here

Is this program right for you? Get the facts.

Teasers

Program Brochure

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Help Center | Resources

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Completion Verification

You've completed your courses! Take the final step to receive your certificate.
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