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Preschool Children Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement

Child Development

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 Title 5 Department of Education educational requirements of the Assistant, Associate, 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 Child Growth and DevelopmentCD-131 Child, Family and Community, one curriculum class (CD-123 Principles and Practices of Programs and Curriculum for Young ChildrenCD-126 Art for Child DevelopmentCD-127 Science and Mathematics for Child Development CD-128 Music and Movement for Child DevelopmentCD-129 Language and Literature for Child Development or CD-130 Curriculum: Design and Implementation), 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 Child Growth and DevelopmentCD-131 Child, Family and Community, one curriculum class (CD-123 Principles and Practices of Programs and Curriculum for Young ChildrenCD-126 Art for Child DevelopmentCD-127 Science and Mathematics for Child DevelopmentCD-128 Music and Movement for Child DevelopmentCD-129 Language and Literature for Child Development or CD-130 Curriculum: Design and Implementation), 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 Principles and Practices of Programs and Curriculum for Young ChildrenCD-125 Child Growth and DevelopmentCD-130 Curriculum: Design and ImplementationCD-131 Child, Family and CommunityCD-134 Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young ChildrenCD-153 Teaching in a Diverse SocietyCD-212 Practicum in Early Childhood Education and CD-213 Observation and Assessment, 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 Counselor1
Camping Guide
Child Care Specialist
Child Psychologist1
Curriculum Development
Development Specialist (Child, Adolescent and Family)1
Early Intervention Aide1
Educational Consultant1
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Outdoor Education Specialist
Preschool Director
Preschool Teacher
Recreation Leader
Recreation Specialist1
School Age Child Care Teacher
Social Service Specialist1
Special Education Assistant – Children with Special Needs

1

Bachelor Degree or higher required.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements 

Core Curriculum
CD-106Practicum: Beginning Observation and Experience1
CD-123Principles and Practices of Programs and Curriculum for Young Children3
CD-125Child Growth and Development3
CD-126Art for Child Development3
CD-127Science and Mathematics for Child Development3
CD-128Music and Movement for Child Development3
CD-129Language and Literature for Child Development3
CD-131Child, Family and Community3
CD-134Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young Children3
CD-141Working with Children with Special Needs3
or CD-210 Working with Young Children with Challenging Behaviors
CD-153Teaching in a Diverse Society3
Total Units31

Area of Emphasis: Preschool Children 

Core Curriculum31
CD-130Curriculum: Design and Implementation3
CD-132Observation and Assessment: Field Experience Seminar3
CD-133Practicum-Field Experience: Student Teaching2
Total Units39

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.