As you read the descriptions below, please remember that it is important to understand the difference between the "certificates of achievement" offered by Victor Valley College and the "permits" awarded by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The “certificates of achievement” are awarded by Victor Valley College to acknowledge a student’s academic achievements (coursework). The certificates are relevant to those seeking employment in the private sector.
The “permits” are awarded by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and require the completion of both coursework and experience in the field. The “permits” are required to work in state and federal-funded programs (i.e. State Preschool and Head Start).
If you are interested and would like to obtain permits please contact Heather Hammond-Williams at heather.williams@vvc.edu
Child Development Permit Matrix:
Level 1: Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement
Required Courses
Complete all of the following with a C or better
Child Growth & Development
Child, Family, and Community
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 1
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Introduction to Curriculum
English Composition and Reading
Total Units
19
Level II: Teacher (Preschool) Certificate of Achievement
Required Courses
Complete all of the following with a C or better
Child Growth & Development
Child, Family, and Community
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Introduction to Curriculum
Observation and Assessment
Teaching in a Diverse Society
English Composition and Reading
General Education Units
Total Units
18 additional General Education Units. Must be Associate Degree Applicable from the following categories: 6 units from Social and Behavioral Science, 6 units from Humanities, 3 units from Language and Rationality, and 3 units from Math or Science.
Experience requirement necessary to apply for the Child Development Permit: Evidence of working in an early childhood program for 175 days of 3 or more hours per day within the past 4 years. Use the Verification of Experience Form, which is included in the Permit Application, to document this experience. (This is not necessary for obtaining certificate)
Level III: Site Supervisor (Preschool) Certificate of Achievement
Required Courses
Complete all of the following with a C or better
Child Growth & Development
Child, Family, and Community
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Introduction to Curriculum
Observation and Assessment
Teaching in a Diverse Society
Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision
Administration of Children's Programs I
Administration of Children's Programs II
Elective Specialization Courses
Complete two courses from the following:
Total Units 39
General Education Units 18-21
18-21 additional General Education Units. Must be Associate Degree Applicable from the following categories: 6 units from Social and Behavioral Science, 6 units from Humanities, 3 units from Language and Rationality, and 3 units from Math or Science.
Experience requirement necessary to apply for the Child Development Permit: Evidence of working in an early childhood program for 350 days of experience at 3+ hours per day within 4 years, including at least 100 days of supervising adults. Use the Verification of Experience Form, which is included in the Permit Application, to document this experience. (This is not necessary for obtaining certificate)
Many students have questions as to what VVC AS Degree will help them achieve their goals of transferring to a four-year university and gaining employment.
If you wish to transfer to a four-year university and continue into a field such as child development, developmental psychology, social work, elementary education, early intervention/special needs, etc., it is recommended that you earn an AS (or *AS-T) in Child Development and then transfer to a four-year university. At Cal State San Bernardino you could transfer with an AS in Child Development into the CSUSB Human Development/Child Development track BA program.
You can also transfer into CSUSB’s Liberal Studies BA Program; however, in the Liberal Studies Program, the focus of your studies will be geared much more towards additional general education (math, science, etc.) courses vs. the Human Development program’s focus on early childhood, psychology and sociology.
*Currently the nearest Cal State University accepting the CHDV AST degree is Cal Poly Pomona; HOWEVER, if you are interested in transferring to Cal State San Bernardino (or one of the many local private four year colleges), please know that the VVC AS in Child Development is accepted and many VVC students choose this pathway.
The CSUSB Human Development/Child Development Track is designed to provide students with a solid background in child growth and development and includes the option of focusing on early childhood education. Upon completion of their CSUSB MA Degree in Human Development, students wishing to teach in an elementary setting can then enter the required “multiple subjects” credentialing program at CSUSB.