Glendale Community College has a teacher education program designed for students who want to work with K-12 students and pursue teacher certification in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education.  Primarily a transfer program, students take the necessary foundation coursework required by four-year institutions.  The foundation courses give GCC students the opportunity to learn about educational concepts and spend time in K-12 classrooms.  We have well-established partnerships with several West Valley school districts.

The Child and Family Studies Department offers degrees and certificates that are designed for those who are interested in studying and working with young children in early childhood programs, with a specialization in center-based, family child care or early childhood administration. Courses are scheduled in a variety of formats to accommodate those who are already working in the field. In addition to the required courses and restricted electives in the certificate programs, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree provides an opportunity to broaden the student's background through general studies courses from a variety of fields as well as additional elective courses.

Degrees and certificates that are offered at Glendale Community College include:

• Associate in Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE) - recommended for elementary, early childhood and special education majors
• Associate in Arts (AA) - recommended for secondary education majors
• Associate in Transfer Partnership (ATP) degrees in Elementary Education - specific to Arizona State University at the West Campus
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education and Child and Family Organizations Management and Administration
• Certification of Completion in Early Childhood Education and Child and Family Organizations Management and Administration
• Certificate of Completion in Developmental Disabilities Specialist

The Office of Program Articulation provides support services to education majors in the following areas:

• Advising and registering for classes
• Financial Aid assistance (FAFSA)
• Scholarship application assistance
• Educational plans and programs of study
• Transition services (2+2+2)
• Sponsoring the Future Teacher’s Club