Introduction to Early Care and Education
Free noncredit certificate introducing early childhood care and education for entry-level child-care roles and college bridging.
3171 S. Bundy Dr., Office 112, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Open-enrollment noncredit courses offered year-round across Fall, Spring, and some Summer/Winter terms; sections vary by semester
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Santa Monica College's noncredit (School of Continuing & Community Education) initiative offers tuition-free, short-term training to help adults build job-ready skills and bridge into credit college or the workforce. Classes are open to the community with no prerequisites, removing cost and access barriers so motivated learners can gain marketable, entry-level skills and a certificate of completion in a single semester.
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People exploring early childhood education or entry-level child-care work
Three courses (ECE 901 Introduction to Early Care and Education, ECE 902 Culturally Relevant Curriculum, ECE 903 Early Care Licensing and Workforce Readiness); about 40.5 total program hours, typically offered on Saturdays over a semester. Varies by term.
Child development basics, culturally relevant curriculum, and CA licensing/workforce readiness
Cost & Outcomes
This training is completely free. Santa Monica College noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free, with no repayment, no student debt, and no hidden program costs.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Tuition-free, open-enrollment noncredit certificate
Introduces child development (birth to age 5) and early care principles
Teaches culturally relevant curriculum planning
Covers California licensing and workforce requirements
Counts toward Child Development Permit professional-growth renewal and bridges into credit ECE coursework
Optional ESL companion certificate for English language learners
Day in the Life
- Saturday class at the Bundy Campus, from 11:10 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
- About 2 hours a week of arranged work with the instructor outside of class time
- Lessons on child development from birth to age 5, culturally relevant curriculum, and California licensing and workforce readiness
- Optional companion English as a Second Language class for early childhood careers on Saturday mornings just before class
Taught by Santa Monica College noncredit faculty who meet California Community Colleges minimum qualifications, which set degree and field-experience requirements for noncredit instructors.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Keeping up with arranged hours outside of class and learning California licensing and workforce rules, which can be especially demanding for English language learners.
Connecting with how young children grow and learn, and taking a free first step toward a career in early care and further college coursework.
Employment Support
Noncredit counseling and workshops to help students plan next steps into jobs or further college coursework
Career Services Center support, including career counseling, job search help, and the HireSMC job board where local employers post openings
City of Santa Monica job resources offered with local workforce partners to connect job seekers with local employment
How It Works
Apply to SMC as a student (free) at smc.edu/apply to get an SMC ID and student email
Register for the noncredit course(s) through Corsair Connect, or email NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu or call 310-434-3399 for help enrolling
Attend classes and complete all required courses in the certificate's area of emphasis
Petition for the Certificate of Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.All SMC noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free.
No. SMC noncredit classes are open to the community with no prerequisites (intermediate or higher ESL is recommended for some courses).
Adults 18 and over. F1 student visa holders are not eligible for noncredit courses.
Apply at smc.edu/apply, then register through Corsair Connect or contact the Noncredit office at 310-434-3399 / NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu.