Early Childhood Education Associate Teacher
Professional Certificate
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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Est. Tuition $1,580
Learning Format Online
Duration 12 months *
*Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.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
Take a seat in our Virtual Classroom to discover more about learning formats.
Getting Started
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your eduction, life and work schedules.
Your Journey Starts Here
Is this program right for you? Get the facts.




