Certificate/Degree
The child development curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as teachers, directors and aides in preschools and child care centers, including infant/toddler and extended day facilities. The curriculum is also appropriate for parents, administrators, health care professionals, and others working with children. Course work meets the educational components of the Department of Social Services license regulations for child care programs. The degree meets the educational requirements of the Teacher, Master Teacher and Site Supervisor Child Development Permits. The curriculum meets lower division course preparation for students planning to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Child Development at most CSU campuses.
The Department of Social Services Title 22 minimum requirements to be a preschool teacher are 12 units in Child Development which must include: CD 125, CD 131, one curriculum class (CD 123, 126, 127, 128, 129 or 130), and one additional CD course (3 units).
The California Department of Education Title 5 minimum education requirements at the Teacher level on the Child Development Matrix are 24 units in Child Development which must include: CD 125, CD 131, one curriculum class (CD 123, 126, 127, 128, 129 or 130), 12 additional units in CD, and 16 units of general education which must include one degree applicable course in each of four general education categories: English/Language Arts; Math or Science; Social Sciences; Humanities and/or Fine Arts.
The California Community Colleges’ Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP) consolidates and clarifies the transfer requirements for teachers of young children in the state of California. The eight CAP courses, CD 123, 125, 130, 131, 134, 153, 212 and 213, provide a strong foundation for transfer to four-year programs in Child Development of Early Childhood Education.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Integrate the key developmental concepts and teaching strategies into a cogently articulated philosophy of early childhood education and care.
- Employ appropriate classroom organizational and management techniques in a variety of early childhood education settings, including the implementation of curriculum that is well planned, developmentally appropriate, and based on the interests and needs of the children.
- Survey, assemble, and expand curricula resources for use in specific early childhood classrooms and centers.
- Apply and implement effective and sensitive discipline and guidance strategies directly with children.
- Clearly demonstrate the ability to plan child development programs which deliberately intend to advance, stimulate or otherwise enhance children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development in ways which are appropriate to the children’s developmental level
- Assess their own professional competence and progress and develop a plan for professional career steps and growth.
Career Opportunities
* Adoption Counselor
Camping Guide
Child Care Specialist
* Child Psychologist
Curriculum Development
* Development Specialist (Child, Adolescent
and Family)
* Early Intervention Aide
* Educational Consultant
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Outdoor Education Specialist
Preschool Director
Preschool Teacher
Recreation Leader
* Recreation Specialist
School Age Child Care Teacher
* Social Service Specialist
Special Education Assistant – Children with Special Needs* Bachelor Degree or higher required
Associate in Science Degree Requirements:
Core Curriculum:
| Course | Title | Units |
| CD 106 | Practicum: Beginning Observation and Experience | 1 |
| CD 123 | Principles and Practices of Programs and Curriculum for Young Children | 3 |
| CD 125 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CD 126 | Art for Child Development | 3 |
| CD 127 | Science and Mathematics for Child Development | 3 |
| CD 128 | Music and Movement for Child Development | 3 |
| CD 129 | Language and Literature for Child Development | 3 |
| CD 131 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| CD 134 | Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young Children | 3 |
| CD 141 | Working with Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| or CD 210 | Working with Young Children with Challenging Behaviors | 3 |
| CD 153 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| 31 |
Areas of Emphasis:
A. INFANTS AND TODDLERS
| Course | Title | Units |
| CD 124 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| CD 132 | Observation and Assessment: Field Experience Seminar | 3 |
| CD 143 | Responsive Planning for Infant/Toddler Care | 3 |
| CD 170 | Practicum: Field Experience with Infants and Toddlers | 2 |
|
Total
|
11 | |
|
Total Required Including Core Courses
|
42 | |
|
Plus General Education Requirements
|
B. PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
| Course | Title | Units |
| CD 130 | Curriculum: Design and Implementation | 3 |
| CD 132 | Observation and Assessment: Field Experience Seminar | 3 |
| CD 133 | Practicum–Field Experience: Student Teaching | 2 |
|
Total
|
8 | |
|
Total Required Including Core Courses
|
39 | |
|
Plus General Education Requirements
|
Certificate of Achievement
Students who complete only the courses required for the major including an area of
emphasis qualify for a Certificate in Child Development in that area of emphasis.
An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to
the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.