Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH) Certificate

(SIMS Code: 330308)

The certificate program in Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH) is an interdisciplinary program focusing on professional preparation and skills enhancement of early childhood educators who work with young children who demonstrate socio-emotional and behavioral problems and their parents.

Fifteen program units are required to earn the certificate in Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH). Twelve units of seminar courses addressing core knowledge foundations for early childhood mental health and three units of supervised practicum/field experience. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to the master’s degree in child development if applicable.

Prerequisites for admission:

1. Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to child development, human development, psychology, school counseling, social services, or social work from an accredited institution, and relevant work experience in the early childhood education field.
2. Successful completion of the application and interview process.
3. Coursework relating to: children with special needs, early years of development, family functioning and parent-child relationships, parenting, and theories in socio-emotional development. If students’ undergraduate preparation is deemed insufficient, students will be required to complete specified courses determined by the certificate program’s adviser.
4. Recommendation of employer and/or director of certificate program.

Standards for Admission

Students enrolled in the certificate program in Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH) must complete the following for admission:

1. Background check. Students must successfully pass a background check in order to be placed in educational and community settings. Red flag issues that prevent placement may impede progression and successful completion of degree requirements;
2. Tuberculin clearance. Evidence of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test must be provided periodically for community-based classes;
3. Proof of up-to-date immunizations. Proof of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and current tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) immunizations must be provided periodically for community-based classes. Clearance statements may be secured from SDSU Student Health services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.