Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher Training
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Teacher Training
Create curricula for young learners.
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.
This program is perfect for...
- Multiple Subject teaching credential holders who need 24 ECE/CD units to meet transitional kindergarten requirements
- Early childhood education professionals seeking career and salary advancement
- Educators aiming to become highly respected, creative and dynamic teachers
- Individuals preparing for early childhood education teaching roles
What you can learn.
- Understand the physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of child development
- Apply strategies for supporting the diverse needs of students, including those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- Learn strategies for creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment, and managing behavior and discipline
- Master principles of special education and inclusive practices (e.g., supporting the needs of TK students with disabilities)
- Practice assessment and evaluation for improving student learning
ECE/CD Courses
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.
Core Courses
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
Recommended Elective Courses
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
Other Elective Courses
EDUC X 321.246
Bilingual and Multilingual Learning in Early Childhood
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Summer
EDUC X 321.65
Creating Intentional Learning Environments for Curiosity, Connection, Identity, and Belonging
Units: 3.0 | Typically Offered: Spring
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