The California Commission for Teacher Credentialing has approved this subject-matter program as preparation for an elementary credential program. Completion of CDEE requirements also satisfies Humboldt's general education, institutions, and diversity and common ground requirements. The program emphasizes working with children from kindergarten through third grade. Students learn how the classroom, school, home, and community environments impact the child learner and the learning process. Courses explore different philosophies of education but emphasize those that see children as active learners who construct knowledge when engaged in meaningful experiences.
Students have opportunities to explore careers to clarify their professional goals.
Students participate in multiple supervised classroom experiences. CDEE uses the liberal arts to give students background in content areas they will teach. Simultaneously, child development courses orient participants to the children with whom they will work. The CDEE concentration encourages frequent self-assessment and guided career exploration. Students explore both teaching and other professions that make use of their knowledge and skills.