Course 1: Brain Development for Early Childhood Educators - EDC-X711W

Course Description

Credit Validation for SDCOE TK Participants Only

This course will examine the architecture of the young child’s developing brain. Participants will learn how the brain develops. Participants will also learn how brain development sets a foundation for learning and behavior. Throughout this course participants will explore the role that educators of young children play in guiding healthy brain development.

Learner Outcomes

• Identify the parts of the brain and the roles they play
• Describe how the brain develops and how this knowledge supports early childhood educators
• Recognize that teacher-child interactions and relationship building are essential to positive brain development

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Multiple Subject credentialed teachers needing ECE units to teach TK.

Course Materials: Text, The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Author(s) Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic units/credit. To receive units, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider. 

Courses offered through the USD's Credit Validation Program are accepted by many school districts and universities throughout the United States. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify district and/or university policies regarding transcript requirements, deadlines, and the applicability of units/credits.

The units provided are graduate-level professional development semester units intended solely for purposes such as salary advancement and credential renewal. These units are not applicable toward a master’s degree or higher degree program at the University of San Diego.

Participants who intend to apply these units toward a degree program at another institution are responsible for confirming that institution’s acceptance of the units prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

• Complete the Google Form: SDCOE TK Pathway - Registration Link
• Contact for additional questions: sdcoetkpathway@sdcoe.net 

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More