This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions and greater opportunities for advancement in the early childhood field. It is designed to demonstrate an area of expertise in working with young children with special needs in typical early childhood programs or those specifically designed for young children with special needs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

• Observe and document specific behaviors, skills, and interests of young children.
• Plan and implement schedule, curriculum, and guidance strategies adapted for a young child with special needs.

Career Opportunities

Students may find employment as an inclusion specialist, inclusion aide, or intervention assistant in a wide variety of programs serving young children with special needs. These programs include but are not limited to corporate child care, Head Start, State Preschools, special day classes, intervention programs, home visit programs, community-based programs such as park, recreation and camping programs, and faith-based early childhood programs.

Certificate Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Units
CD-125	Child Growth and Development 1	3
CD-134	Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young Children	3
CD-141	Working with Children with Special Needs	3
Select two of the following:		6
CD-126	Art for Child Development 1
CD-127	Science and Mathematics for Child Development 1
CD-128	Music and Movement for Child Development 1
CD-129	Language and Literature for Child Development 1
CD-131	Child, Family and Community 1
CD-145	Child Abuse and Family Violence in Our Society
CD-210	Working with Young Children with Challenging Behaviors
Total Units		15

¹

Meets the educational components of the Department of Social Services license regulations for child care programs.

At least 50% of the units required for the Certificate of Specialization must be completed at Cuyamaca College.