Q: I do not have prior experience in working with children but I am interested in starting a career in early childhood care. How do I get started?
A: Take the first class and volunteer a few hours in a childcare setting to see if this career is right for you.
Q: I have taken previous child care and development courses from another university; can I get credit for taking those courses?
A: To earn the full certificate, at least half of the courses need to be completed at UC Merced. We are currently able to transfer units from Merced College IF those courses were taken within the past five years.
Q: I have purchased the online book but I will take longer than sixteen weeks to complete the program, how long is my textbook e-subscription good for?
A: The subscription is good for four months. You will need to purchase a second subscription if you choose to go at a slower pace.
Q: What types of jobs qualify in meeting the required fifty days of verifiable work in a child care and development program?
A: Your hours need to be completed at a setting with a supervisor present. This could include a nursery, daycare, preschool, or after school enrichment program for children up to 8th grade.
Q: Do I have to complete my fifty hours of verifiable work in a child care and development setting before I finish my certificate?
A: No. However, you cannot apply for an associate teacher permit (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) until you have completed fifty days of verifiable work, working at least three hours per day within the past two years.
Q: Where and how do I submit or apply for the permit once I am finished with the program and have completed the fifty hours of verifiable work in a child care and development setting?
A: There are two ways to complete this. You can go through the Credential Analyst at your County Office of Education, which will allow you to work under the permit immediately. Or, you can apply directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The form is found here.
Q: Is there a time limit to apply for my permit after I complete the program and still working on finishing the fifty hours of verifiable work in a child care and development setting?
A: Your supervised hours must be completed within the past two years.
Q: Is the permit valid only in the state of California?
A: Yes. Each state has their own requirements.
Q: Can I transfer these units to another college or university?
A: Yes, you can transfer the units to any University of California, California State University or California community college for undergraduate credit. You will need to provide those institutions with the course syllabus/syllabi for review.
Q: Where are the classes held and how can I register for them?
A: The Child Development and Care courses are held at the UC Merced Downtown Campus Center located at 655 W 18th St, Merced, CA 95340. You can register for the courses by visiting the main page for the CDCC. You can choose to register either in online or hybrid (in-person and online) courses. Course format will be indicated next to the course date offerings.
UC Merced Extension Site Map
