Supporting Student Success from the Classroom Forward
The Educational Aide learning pathway prepares students to support teachers and enhance learning in early childhood, elementary, and secondary classroom settings. Through a combination of coursework and practical skill development, students gain foundational knowledge in classroom management, instructional support, child development, and professional practices essential to working in educational environments. Offered as both an Occupational Certificate and a Certificate of Technology, this pathway allows students to enter the workforce quickly or continue building credentials as they advance in the field of education.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Job Entry Requirements. The College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the program’s department chair. This is in accordance with Texas House Bill 1508 amendments to Texas Occupations Code Sec 53.152.
Learning & Career Pathway
The learning pathway for this career track has a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees. You may start at any point on the pathway and earn the certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- Educational Aide, Occupational Certificate (4 months)
- Educational Aide, Certificate of Technology (1.5 years)
Career Skills and Learning Outcomes
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to support children's learning.
- Interpret observations and assessments to plan and implement child centered curriculum.
- Communicate effectively with children, families, co-workers, and the community.
- Exhibit ethical behavior and professional responsibilities as required by the field of early childhood.
- Utilize technology to manage professional responsibilities.
- Create an equitable environment inclusive of all children, families, colleagues, and community.
- Implement knowledge of regulatory agencies that govern early childhood programs.
License or Certification
San Jacinto College offers the Child Development/Early Childhood – Educational Aide Occupational Certificate and the Certificate of Technology to prepare students for careers in early childhood education and K–12 support roles.
- Occupational Certificate (16 SCH): Graduates are eligible to apply for the Texas Education Agency Educational Aide – Level I Certificate and the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential through the Council for Professional Recognition.
- Certificate of Technology (31 SCH): Graduates are eligible to apply for the CDA Credential and the Texas Education Agency Educational Aide – Level II Certificate.
Programs with external learning experiences (e.g., clinicals, practicums, externships, cooperative education) require students to comply with the immunization policies of partner sites. These requirements are set by the facilities, not San Jacinto College. Students who do not meet site-specific requirements may be unable to complete the program or may experience delays in graduation. Immunization exemption requests must be addressed directly with the clinical or external learning site.
Locations
College Admissions
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
In addition to being admitted to the College, students must also be admitted to the Child Development program which has additional requirements and/or steps.
Background Check and Fingerprinting Requirements
Texas law requires background checks and FBI fingerprinting for individuals working or volunteering in childcare centers or public schools:
- Senate Bill 758 (2007): Mandates an FBI fingerprint check for anyone required to undergo a background check in a childcare center, including volunteers counted in child-to-caregiver ratios. Fingerprinting must be renewed every two years.
- Senate Bill 9 (2011): Extends this requirement to all public-school districts. FBI fingerprinting checks records across all 50 states and helps prevent the use of false identities.
Program Participation: San Jacinto College CDEC and TECA students may not be placed at one location more than two days per month to avoid “frequent contact” status. School districts and childcare centers vary in how they conduct background checks. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of each placement site. Fees may apply and differ by institution.
Plan of Study
4CHID-EDAD
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CDEC 1470 | Educational Aide Associate | 4 |
| CDEC 1317 | Child Development Associate Training I | 3 |
| CDEC 2322 | Child Development Associate Training II | 3 |
| CDEC 2324 | Child Development Associate Training III | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Term | ||
| TECA 1303 | Families, School and Community | 3 |
| CDEC 1356 | Emergent Literacy for Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEC 2307 | Math and Science for Early Childhood | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Third Term | ||
| CDEC 1319 | Child Guidance | 3 |
| TECA 1354 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| TECA 1311 | Educating Young Children | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Capstone Experience: TECA 1311 Educating Young Children
Upon completion of this certificate, students will be eligible to apply for an Educational Aide - Level II certificate through the Texas Education Agency and apply to earn the Child Development Associate Credential through the National Professional Council.