Elementary Teacher Education Program
Become an Elementary School Teacher, Start at Foothill!
- Take classes with us, earning your AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education.
- Transfer to a CSU and earn a Bachelor's degree. We recommend a Liberal Studies degree designed for elementary teachers.
- After completing your bachelors degree at a CSU, you can earn your California State multiple subject teaching credential for eligibility to teach at the elementary school level. Some universities will incorporate the credential program into a BA or MA degree program.
- For information about California requirements for the credential, see the State of California Commision on Teacher Credentialing website.
Program MapSee the Elementary Teacher Education, AA-T Program Map to plan your courses! |
Learning Outcomes
After completing the Elementary Teacher Education program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the teaching profession including requirements and evaluation of effectiveness
- Identify major economic, political, and social policies that have affected the American school system
- Describe curriculum and instruction, including development and design
TK/ PK3 Qualifications
If you're a credentialed teacher, looking to take ECE/CHLD classes in order to qualify to teach Transitional Kindergarten or earn the PK3 Credential, read on!
Here is a list of core courses that we would recommend for someone with no ECE units earned so far. They appear in the order we would recommend a student would take them, though they really can be taken in any order.
- CHLD 56N Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children 4
- CHLD 8 Child, Family & Community 4
- CHLD 88B Positive Behavior Management 2
- CHLD 1 Child Growth & Development: Prenatal through Early Childhood 4
- CHLD 89 Curriculum for Early Care & Education Programs 4
- CHLD 2 Child Growth & Development II: Middle Childhood through Adolescence 4
- CHLD 51A Affirming Diversity in Education 4
- CHLD 95 Health, Safety & Nutrition in Children's Programs 4
- CHLD 56 Observation & Assessment 4
- CHLD 86A Mentoring the Early Care & Education Professional 4
These are quarter unit classes, and equal 38 quarter units or 25 1/3 semester units.
If you have previous coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or are unsure about which classes you’ve already completed, you are encouraged to contact Nicole Kerbey(kerbeynicole@fhda.edu) to create a plan that fits your needs.
To learn more about current TK/PK teaching requirements, visit the California Department of Education page and review California Education Code (EC) Section 48000(g)(4). It is also recommended that you consult with your district and/or County Office of Education regarding your specific status.
Contact UsNicole Kerbey, Child Development DepartmentSunnyvale Campus, 211Q408.745.8056 kerbeynicole@foothill.edu |
