The Early Childhood Intervention Training Program at Santa Monica College trains students to work specifically with young children with disabilities and other special needs, birth to eight years of age, and those who may be at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. Students enrolled in the certificate program gain expertise in early intervention and early childhood special education from a culturally sensitive and family-focused perspective. Emphasis is placed on individual differences in both typically and atypically developing young children.
In addition to fulfilling general Early childhood education requirements, students enrolled in the certificate program must complete 2 additional courses in early childhood special education and participate in a field-based practicum where they must apply learned theoretical models and methods. At the completion of their training, students are equipped with the skills to work with both typically and atypically developing young children with diverse leaning needs and their families.
Two career paths are offered: Early Childhood Intervention Assistant and Early Childhood Intervention teacher
I. EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION ASSISTANT
This career path affords students career placements in public and/or private early intervention and educational settings that service typically and atypically developing young children. Specific jobs and responsibilities may include serving as a special education assistant for children birth to eight years of age, a one-one aide to a child (e.g., “shadow”), regular classroom aide with expertise in special needs, or as an assistant to the early intervention team for infants birth to three years of age.
A total of 27 units are required to complete this certificate. Required courses for the Early Childhood Intervention assistant certificate are the following:
| Psychology 11 |
Child, Growth & Development |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 2 |
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 11 |
Child, Family, and Community |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 45 |
Children with Special Needs |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 46 |
Infant Growth and Development |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 49 |
Children with Special Needs |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 21 |
Observation and Assessment |
4 units |
| Early Childhood Education 23 |
Practicum in Early Intervention |
5 units |
| First Aid/ CPR Training |
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II. EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION TEACHER
This second career alternative trains and certifies students to work at the master teacher level, and equips students to work as lead teachers in a variety of public and/or private early intervention and inclusive early childhood settings.
Students in this career path are required to complete a total of 41 ECE units. Required course are outlined below.
| Required Major Courses: 21 units |
| Psychology 11 |
Child, Growth & Development |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 2 |
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 11 |
Child, Family, and Community |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 45 |
Children with Special Needs |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 46 |
Infant Through Toddler Studies |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 49 |
Early Intervention Strategies |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 64 |
Child Nutrition, Health and Safety |
3 units |
Required Curriculum Courses:
select two courses, 6 units |
| Early Childhood Education 4 |
Language and Literature for the Young Child |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 5 |
Science for the Young Child |
3 units |
| Early Childhood Education 8 |
Creative Experience - Art, and Music Movement |
3 units |
| Practicum Courses: 14 units |
| Early Childhood Education 21 |
Observation and Assessment |
4 units |
| Early Childhood Education 22 |
ECE Field Experience |
5 units |
| Early Childhood Education 23 |
Practicum in Early Intervention |
5 units |
Students enrolled in either career path have the option to select a practicum placement specific to their professional interest in early intervention and special education. A variety of quality inclusive preschools and infant/toddler early intervention programs in the Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Culver City and Mar Vista areas work collaboratively with Santa Monica College instructors to mentor and supervise students in their fieldwork.