About the Skill Builders (Noncredit) Program
Santa Monica College offers a selection of skill builders (noncredit) courses available to the community at no cost (free)! Taking these skill builders (noncredit) classes can be done individually, or in some cases taking a series of classes can earn a certificate of completion. Skill builder classes provide robust learning environments and opportunities for personal and professional growth. These classes are practical, relevant stepping stones, helping you build essential skills for entry-level jobs.
Skill builder classes provide job training and can serve as a first step toward pursuing a certificate of achievement or associate degree at SMC.
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Program Paths
Introduction to Early Care and Education
Certificate of Completion
This program serves as an introduction to the theoretical and practical knowledge required for working with young children in an early care and education setting. It will help you determine your level of interest in the early care and education field, prepare you for credit-bearing coursework in Early Childhood Education, and count toward the professional growth requirement for the renewal of an existing Child Development Permit. The program consists of a sequence of courses that offers you the knowledge and skills practice needed to gain employment as an entry-level Assistant Teacher or Family Child Care Provider.
ESL for College and Career Pathways
Certificate of Competency
This is a companion certificate designed for non-native English speakers and can be earned along with the Introduction to Early Care and Education certificate. In addition to your ECE courses, you will complete ESL 994 and ESL 995. These intermediate/advanced ESL courses focus on developing your English language speaking, writing, listening, reading, vocabulary, and study skills related to what you will be learning in your ECE classes. You will produce written work and oral presentations as you apply critical thinking, cultural awareness, and autonomous learning strategies that are transferable to the field of Early Childhood Education.
Potential Career Options
Career Exploration Noncredit ECE Career Pathways at SMC
Resources and Transfer
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer colleges/universities.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Early Childhood Lab School
Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica, in a unique partnership, have built an innovative early childhood laboratory school to serve the community while enabling teachers in-training to develop crucial expertise under the guidance of leading education professionals.
Transfers
Education and Early Childhood Education is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.