Early Childhood-Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health

The certificate program in Early Childhood-Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH) is an interdisciplinary program focusing on professional preparation and skills enhancement of early childhood educators who work with young children who demonstrate socio-emotional and behavioral problems and their parents.

Fifteen program units are required to earn the certificate in Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH):  twelve units of seminar courses addressing core knowledge foundations and three units of practicum/field experience. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to the master’s degree in child development if applicable.

Prerequisites for admission

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to child development, psychology, social work, human development, school counseling, or social services from an accredited institution, and relevant work experience in the early childhood education field.
• Successful completion of the application and interview process. 
• Coursework relating to: early years of development, parenting, family functioning and parent-child relationships, children with special needs, and theories in socio-emotional development.  If student’s undergraduate preparation is deemed insufficient, the student will be required to complete specified courses as determined by the certificate program’s advisor.
• Recommendation of employer and/or director of certificate program.

Course Requirements (15 units)

The EC-TEaMH certificate program follows the Revised Training Guidelines, Personnel Competencies, and Professional Endorsement Criteria for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health, 2016. It includes two main areas: knowledge and experience. The knowledge base is comprised of four foundation classes. Two practicum courses that include clinical experience/supervision in early childhood setting and programs accompanied by Reflective Practice Facilitation (total of 120 hours of supervised practicum).

Students must complete the course requirements with a minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average.

Knowledge Area (12 units):

• CFD 670 – Seminar in Human Development Theories -Intervention and Prevention (3)
• CFD 671 – Seminar in Supporting Early Childhood Mental Health (3)
• CFD 580 – Observation and Assessment of Young Children’s Environment and Relationships (3)
• SPED 676 – Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

Experience Area – Field Experience/Practicum (3 units):

• CFD 697A – Advanced Field Experiences (Cr/NC) (3) – 1.5 units each semester; 120 hours of supervised practicum