Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I register for Early Childhood classes at Las Positas College?

• You will first need to apply to be a student at LPC. Click here for on-line application information
• Contact the Early Childhood Professional Development Coordinator for assistance.

 

What classes do I take next semester?

• Questions regarding your schedule are best handled by a LPC counselor or an ECE professional development coordinator
• Check out the degree & certificate maps for an overall pathway of classwork for a certificate or a degree.

 

Will I have a chance to work directly with children?

• Yes! We have a fantastic lab facility at the Child Development Center. You will complete child observations there, and have a chance to be in the classrooms with the children.
• This is an important part of learning to be a teacher and/or deepen your teaching practice.

 

What is a Child Development Permit?

• A Child Development Permit is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• A CD Permit is required to work in programs funded by the State of California (Title 5 programs) and is highly recommended to work in any licensed program in California
• Permit matrix offers a variety of levels based on both education and experience
• Higher level permits give permit holders greater degree of authority
• Click here for more information on Child Development Permits
• For help applying for a Child Development Permit, contact the ECE Professional Development Coordinator

 

What is a Certificate?

• A Certificate is created by the Early Care and Education Department
• Currently we offer 4 certificates and 5 AA Degrees (3 are aimed at transferring)
• Any student who meets the course requirements of a certificate can apply for the certificate through Admissions and Records
• Click here for more information regarding our certificates

 

What is the difference between a license and a permit?

• In California, the license is issued to the program or facility and is based on a set of regulations set forth by the Department of Social Services
• The permit is issued to the individual and is based on education and experience. It is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

 

I've taken early childhood classes at another college; will the ECE Department at LPC accept these classes?

• It is best to check with counseling regarding any academic advising including units taken at other colleges
• A ECE Professional Development Coordinator at LPC may also be able to assist you in determining if classes taken elsewhere might be accepted by LPC faculty.

 

It has been a long time since I attended college. Where can I get help writing papers or other writing skills?

• The Tutoring Center offers a variety of services for and is staffed by LPC instructors and assistants.

 

I want to open my own childcare business. What do I need to do?

You need to determine if you will be operating within your own home (called Family Child Care) or provide care in an out-of-the-home setting, such as a child development center

To obtain a Family Child Care License in California do the following:

• Attend a mandatory orientation held by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours training in Child Health and Safety, including Community CPR and First Aid for Child Care
• Complete all required forms and tests
• Be fingerprinted through a Livescan facility and have a clear Child Abuse Index
• Schedule and complete a licensing visit though Community Care Licensing

 

To open a child care center, do the following:

• Attend a series of mandatory meetings held by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division
• Complete 12 ECE units including a 3-unit course in Human Growth and Development, a 3-unit course in Child, Family and Community and a 3-unit course in early childhood curriculum. You must also complete a 3-unit course in preschool administration if you are to be the director as well as owner.
• Depending on your level of education, you will also need experience in a program licensed in California prior to becoming a director
• Complete all necessary and required forms and tests
• Be fingerprinted through a Livescan facility and have a clear Child Abuse Index
• Schedule and complete a visit from a licensing evaluator prior to the site opening

For more information on how to open your own family child care business or center visit:

• Hively (Formerly Called Child Care Links)
• Department of Social Services
• Call: 1.510.622.2602 (Oakland Office of Community Care Licensing)
• Call: 1.925.417.8733 (Child Care Links: Main number)