AnewFamily

Early Childhood Education Principles

Introduces the historical foundations and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children from birth through age eight. Students explore the roles and responsibilities of early childhood educators, professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Emphasis on research-based practices for creating developmentally appropriate learning environments, designing curriculum, and implementing effective teaching strategies, including the critical role of play in supporting children's learning and development.

Infant Development

Examines the unique ways infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, learn and interact with their environment. Students explore developmental theories, brain development, and culturally responsive caregiving practices. Includes analysis of bias and equity in infant and toddler care, the role of caregivers in development, and early intervention strategies that support the well-being of young children and their families.

Field experience: 20+ hours required

Child Growth and Development

Provides a comprehensive overview of children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, biological, and physical development. Students examine major developmental theories and current research, with attention to the influence of families, culture, and community. Emphasis on applying developmental knowledge to create inclusive, respectful, and appropriately challenging learning environments.

Field experience: 20+ hours required

Home, School, and Community Relationships

Explores strategies for supporting children within the interconnected contexts of home, school, and community. Students examine the influence of culture, family systems, and social factors on development and learning. The course emphasizes building partnerships with families, understanding diverse sociocultural contexts, and promoting equity and inclusion in early childhood education.

Field experience: 20+ hours required

Integrated Early Childhood Curriculum and Practice

Focuses on the design and implementation of developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for young children from birth through age eight. Students learn to integrate content areas — language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts — into meaningful learning experiences. Emphasis on instructional strategies, assessment, and the relationship between curriculum and child development.

Field experience: 40+ hours required

Practicum: Administration of Early Childhood Programs — Part 1

Introduces the foundational concepts and practical responsibilities involved in administering early childhood programs. Students examine program planning, implementation, and management in alignment with California licensing regulations, including Title 22 and Title 5, as well as national standards for high-quality early care and education. Emphasis on operations, staff policies, record-keeping systems, and continuous quality improvement.

Supervised field experience: 24+ hours required

Practicum: Leadership and Supervision in Early Childhood Programs — Part 2

Builds on administrative foundations by focusing on leadership, supervision, and professional development in early childhood education settings. Students explore strategies for mentoring and coaching staff, fostering collaborative team environments, and aligning teaching practices with program mission and values. Emphasis on reflective leadership, ethical supervision, culturally responsive family engagement, and systems that support staff growth and program quality.

Supervised field experience: 40+ hours required

Administration and Management for Early Childhood Settings

Provides an in-depth study of the principles and practices of early childhood program administration. Emphasis on leadership, human relationships, program planning, and quality improvement. Students examine regulatory requirements, including California Title 22 and Title 5, and develop competencies in program operations, staff management, and evaluation of program effectiveness.

Field experience: 24+ hours required

Community Leadership for School-Age Programs

Focuses on culturally sustaining leadership and community engagement in school-age education settings. Students examine research on the relationship between family and community engagement and student success. Emphasis on leadership development, collaboration with community partners, and strategies for fostering inclusive and responsive programs.

Field experience: 24+ hours required

Adult Supervision: Professionalism and Coaching

Examines the roles of supervisors and teacher-leaders as mentors and coaches in educational settings. Students learn principles of reflective supervision, mentoring, and professional development to support adult learners. Emphasis on observation, feedback, and coaching strategies aligned with professional standards.

Field experience: 24+ hours required

Leadership on Behalf of Children and Families

Explores leadership and advocacy in early childhood education. Students develop skills in organizational planning, communication, staff leadership, and collaboration with families and communities. The course emphasizes advocacy for children and families and engagement with current issues in education.

Field experience: 40+ hours required

Exceptional Learning

Focuses on supporting children with diverse learning needs in inclusive educational settings. Students examine categories of exceptionality, assessment practices, and individualized education plans (IEPs). Emphasis on collaboration with families and professionals to support holistic child development.

Field experience: 40+ hours required

Site Supervisor / Program Director Practicum in Early Childhood and School-Age Education

This advanced practicum provides supervised experience in program administration for early childhood and school-age education settings. Students demonstrate competencies in leadership, staff supervision, fiscal management, licensing compliance, and quality improvement. The course prepares students for roles as site supervisors and program directors and aligns with California Child Development Program Director Permit requirements.