De Anza College’s Child Development and Education Department developed the Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate of Achievement to train mental health professionals at the entry and advanced level, ECE educators at the beginning and advanced level, and professionals working in early education, mental health and community services settings or programs. Certificate requirements include student participation in field experiences with community-based, early childhood mental health programs. Students develop skills to work with both children and their families.

The Certificate of Achievement is designed to meet Child Development course requirements for a Child Development Master Teacher level as specialization units. The Child Development Master Teacher permit requires 36 quarter units (equivalent to 24-semester units) ECE/CD including core courses. The permit also requires 24 quarter units (equivalent to 16-semester units) of General Education courses plus 3 quarter units (equivalent to 2-semester units) of adult supervision.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

- Demonstrate the ability to work in a variety of settings with children and families with a commitment to uphold ethical standards 

- Recognize the importance of community engagement and their role as local, national and global advocates for children, families and the community

- Integrate early childhood mental health practices to support the development of social and emotional skills in young children

- Demonstrate skills in building relationships with children and families