Careers in Education

Effective: Fall 2022
Certificate of Completion (noncredit) Program Map
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This noncredit program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program and is intended for students who do not need credit for transfer, but who wish to obtain knowledge and skills needed for entry level positions in the workforce or obtain short-term vocational skills needed for immediate employment.

Noncredit Programs at Chabot College are an excellent low-cost way to earn a certificate since noncredit courses are tuition FREE. Courses focus on skill development and growth, preparing students for employment and future academic coursework. Plus, you can repeat a noncredit course as many times as you want!

I'm ready to get started.What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

The Careers in Education Certificate of Completion is intended for those who are interested in careers as teachers and want information about the different career pathways available, the academic preparation necessary, and an introduction to the skills and abilities of an effective teacher. This certificate also prepares students for entry into credit courses in child development at Chabot College or other community colleges. No prerequisites


What can I do with this major?

California is facing a critical shortage of teachers in all sectors, from early childhood through K-12. This certificate can help students understand how to earn the credit units and degrees that can lead to a rewarding career in education, while preparing them for entry-level jobs as teacher aides, paraprofessionals or in afterschool programs.

This program prepares students for entry into credit courses in the Child Development Program at Chabot or other colleges. This certificate allows for non-credit students and individuals exploring careers with children to enroll in courses that teach important child development concepts and prepare them for the coursework necessary to continue on their academic pathway.


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Social Sciences, Humanities & Education

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

36 units

ECD 208
Introduction to Careers in Education

18 units
This course will provide students with an introduction to teaching and education as a profession. It will provide an overview of teaching opportunities, requirements, educational pathways and certifications in California in a range of school settings including early childhood education, Transitional Kindergarten, K-12 (elementary, middle and high school), and community college. The course will address the qualities, skills and dispositions of an effective teacher, and critical issues in diverse contemporary classrooms. Career opportunities and labor market demand for teachers as well as other career pathways in education will be covered. ECD 208 is an introductory level (non-credit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in education and teacher preparation. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.
Course Details:

    ECD 209
    Introduction to Working with Children

    18 units
    This course is for those who are interested in working with children and want to gain a basic understanding of child development and how to effectively interact with and supervise children. It will include an introduction to the concepts of child development, major developmental milestones from 0-18, realistic behavior expectations, and a discussion of what is considered developmentally appropriate practice. Effective communication, positive behavior guidance, and social and cultural factors related to equity in educational settings will also be addressed. ECD 209 is an introductory level (non-credit) course and is intended to provide students exposure to vocabulary and concepts in child development and education. Students can use the skills gained from this class to transition to credit level ECD courses. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met.
    Course Details:

    Note: noncredit program classes are offered in hours, not units. The unit values above should be viewed as the number of hours each course requires. 

    Total Units: 36 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.