Transitional kindergarten (TK) is a new grade level in California, designed to provide an extra, developmentally appropriate year of learning before kindergarten. To serve all eligible 4-year-olds headed for the classroom, the state will need an additional 11,000 TK teachers.
The UCLA Extension Transitional Kindergarten Teacher online program prepares educators to understand the learning, developmental, and care needs of young children, while earning Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) academic credit. Participants will receive hands-on training designing play-based curricula, creating an inclusive classroom, and engaging families/communities in school life.
To earn the 24 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) academic credits credentialed educators need to teach transitional kindergarten, complete the six core courses below and 9 units of elective courses.
Please note, UCLA Extension is on the quarter system. The 24 unit requirement is based on semester units. Completing the core courses plus 9 elective units will give you 36 quarter units which is equal to the 24 semester unit requirement.
EDUC X 21
Child Development/Desarrollo Infantil
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 22
The Young Child in the Family and Community/El Niño Pequeño en la Familia y Comunidad
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 23
Foundations of Early Care and Education: An Introduction to Teaching Young Children/Introducción a la Enseñanza de Niños Pequeños
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 24
Introduction to Curriculum and Learning Environments/Introducción al Currículo y Ambientes de Aprendizaje
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 25
Play and the Developing Brain in Early Childhood Education
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 321.26
Documentation, Observation, and Assessment of Young Children
Units: 4.5 | Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
EDUC X 321.59
Health, Nutrition and Safety in Early Childhood
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
EDUC X 321.25
Teaching in a Diverse Society for Early Educators
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Fall
EDUC X 321.61
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Winter
EDUC X 321.246
Bilingual and Multilingual Learning in Early Childhood
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Winter
EDUC X 321.65
Creating Intentional Learning Environments for Curiosity, Connection, Identity, and Belonging
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Winter
EDUC X 312.11
Building Self-Esteem in Young Children
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
EDUC X 312.42
Techniques for Behavior Change in Young Children
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
EDUC X 321.6
Positive Discipline Strategies for Young Children
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
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