The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The goal of the Transitional Kindergarten certificate is to provide a strand of unit bearing curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of current Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teachers as well as Multiple Subject credential holders needing the Early Childhood unit requirement to be a TK teacher.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will be able to develop / align the transitional kindergarten curriculum to the California Preschool Learning Foundations.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
12 Units
This course will examine the major developmental milestones for children, both typically and atypically developing, from conception through adolescence in the areas of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Emphasis will be on interactions between maturational and environmental factors within a culturally sensitive framework. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.
should be taken in the intersession PRIOR to ECE 2
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course examines the historical contexts and theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate and best practices in early care and education for children birth through age eight. It explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. It identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. It introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. This class is appropriate for students wanting to work with young children in a variety of programs, including infant-toddler, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten.
to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course
- Skills Advisory: PSYCH 11
This course examines theories of development and the developmental processes focusing on children ages 3-6. Developmental benchmarks in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains are identified, as well as the multiple influences that impact children's development. This course is designed for those working with students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and early education classrooms.
to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course
This course explores the appropriate use of assessments to support students' development and learning. It covers various methods of observation and data collection, tools, and strategies including time management and legal and ethical responsibilities. The course emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan differentiated instruction, classroom environments, and to provide the basis for family partnerships. The course is designed for those working with students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and early education classrooms.
to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course
- Prerequisite: ECE 2 and
- Prerequisite: ECE 24
This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: Social/Emotional Development, Language/Literacy, English Language Development, Visual and Performing Arts. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or preschool, transitional kindergarten, and early education teachers.
to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course
Semester 2
12 Units
This course is an introduction to the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Curriculum Frameworks. Domains covered in this course include: History/Social Studies, Math, Science, Health, & Physical Development. This course provides practical strategies for implementing the curriculum frameworks developed for each domain and may be used to satisfy required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, and/or pre-school, transitional kindergarten, and early-primary teachers.
to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course
Designed for students at the end of their Transitional Kindergarten certificate program. Student teachers will participate in 36 hours of supervised clinical practice in a transitional kindergarten classroom. Student teachers will be expected to demonstrate developmentally appropriate teaching competencies, making connections between theory and practice, and professional teaching behaviors. Relationships with children and families; play-based approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as students design, implement and evaluate experiences. Students are required to possess one of the following: a valid Multiple Subject credential, current Certificate of Clearance, or a LiveScan completed at SMC. In addition, all students must show proof of negative TB test (within 365 days) and proof of immunizations.
to be taken as a 1st 8-weeks course
- Prerequisite: ECE 25 and
- Prerequisite: ECE 26 or
- Prerequisite: ECE 27
This course is designed for teachers working in early childhood or transitional kindergarten settings. Students examine their teaching philosophy and engage in the reflective practice cycle process. Students use a variety of instructional strategies, including purposeful play, to assess and support children's learning and development. This course is the capstone course for the Transitional Kindergarten certificate.
to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course
- Prerequisite: ECE 22 or
- Prerequisite: ECE 23 or
- Prerequisite: ECE 28
This course is appropriate for classroom teachers in various settings, students will identify developmentally appropriate behaviors, challenging behaviors and the various influences that effect children’s behavior. Students will analyze children’s behaviors and select strategies to make positive changes. Emphasizes the connection between children’s social and emotional development and their success in the classroom, and how the teachers’ perceptions, experiences, and behavior influence child behaviors
to be taken as a 2nd 8-weeks course