About Professional Development & Advocacy

The Professional Development & Advocacy Certificate prepares students to better understand the decisions and beliefs that shape policies and programs for children and families and to advocate for improvements and changes.

This certificate builds upon practitioner content in the field and extends to coursework that introduces advocacy and the importance of professional development to improve quality settings for children and youth.

Explore Potential Careers

Earning a certificate in Professional Development & Advocacy can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!

  • Child Advocate
  • Community-Based Organization
  • Early Childhood Coaching and Leadership

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish.

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals.

View Requirements in College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units
CDEV 53 Child Growth and Development 3
CDEV 65 Orientation to ECE Principles and Practice 3
CDEV 66 Introduction to Early Childhood Curriculum 3
CDEV 67 Child, Family, and Community 3

Total Units: 12

Course Number Course Title Units
Choose one unit: CDEV 41B, 41C, or 41L Issues in CDEV--Teacher Seminar, Issues in CDEV--Leadership Seminar, or Advocacy and Professional Standards in ECE 1
Choose three units: CDEV41M, 41U, 44,45,46,81,87,105,114 See Catalog 3

Total Units: 4

Overall Total Units: 16 

Transfer Options

If you're interested in pursuing future study, check out the AS degree in Child Development and Family Studies or the AS-T Transfer Degree in Early Childhood Education to transfer to SFSU or another CSU!

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.