Child and Family Education
28 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
CFE 101 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight are examined. This course explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
CFE 102 The Developing Child-Child Growth and Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 100
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood and school-age settings, this course will provide a study of child growth and development from conception through adolescence. Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.
CFE 103 The Child in Family and Community Relationship
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood and school-age settings, this course will examine the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. The influence of diverse ethnicity, cultures, languages, social classes, gender roles, and individual abilities and the impact of family behavior, morals, values, and attitudes upon child development will be explored. Directed observation in early childhood and school-age settings will be emphasized.
CFE 104 Literature for Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood and school-age settings, this course will introduce a variety of quality literary selections and the pleasures gained from reading, listening to, and viewing children's literature for pleasure and informational purposes. Students will examine literary theories and genres and discuss literary preferences and responses of learners, while identifying and describing children's fiction and non-fiction literature. Students will learn strategies and techniques to apply when presenting literature in early childhood and school-age programs. This course may be used with CFE 107 to satisfy the 6-unit specialization requirement for the Master Teacher level of the Child Development Permit.
CFE 105 Introduction to Curriculum-Discovery Based Education for Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood and school-age settings. This course will explore discovery-based learning and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students will apply child development foundations to analyze learning experiences for children from birth to age 8. Students will evaluate methods of investigative and inquiry-based instruction, explore the value of a discovery approach to curriculum, and learn to apply theories of child growth and development in the evaluation of children's learning in indoor and outdoor environments. This course may be used with CFE 106 to satisfy the 6-unit specialization requirement for the Master Teacher level of the Child Development Permit. A current TB clearance may be required.
CFE 106 Creative Experiences for Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood and school-age settings, this course will promote an understanding of children and their creative needs. Students will discuss theories of creativity and the integration of creative practices into curriculum content areas, explore a variety of media techniques, evaluate and formulate plans for creative environments and activities, and develop creative learning plans. Directed observation in early childhood and/or school-age settings will be emphasized. A current TB clearance may be required.
CFE 107 Literacy for Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood settings, this course will provide instruction in the key components of early literacy experiences which researchers have linked to later reading success. Early literacy is defined as the knowledge, skills, and attributes that come before and lead up to conventional reading and writing. Students will examine the following components of early literacy: oral language, vocabulary and comprehension development, phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, and background knowledge. Students will critique early childhood literacy experiences while conducting directed observations in early childhood settings. This course may be used with CFE 104 to satisfy the 6-unit specialization requirement for the Master Teacher Child Development Permit.
CFE 109 Supervision and Administration of Childhood Programs I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of any six units in CFE courses.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H. On-the-job experience in preschool, day care, or before-and-after school age care.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students with prior experience in infant-toddler, preschool or school-age programs, this course will teach principles and practices related to the supervision and operation of child care and educational programs for preschool and school-aged children. Topics include: Titles 5 and 22 guidelines, organizational structures, budgeting, staff relationships, staff-parent relationships, record-keeping, reporting, and maintaining relationships with community and regulatory agencies. This course provides three of the six units in supervision and administration required to direct licensed child care programs and for the Site Supervisor and Program Director levels of the Child Development Permit.
CFE 110 Supervision and Administration of Childhood Programs II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 109.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H. On-the-job experience in preschool, day care, or before-and-after school age care.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to supplement the information presented in CFE 109, this course will provide students with an in-depth study of the administration and management of child care and education programs. Topics include: business plans, personnel management, proposal and grant writing, advocacy, Title 5 and 22 regulations, updates of regulatory laws and licensing, current research in the field of child care and education, professional growth, and community involvement. This course provides three of the six units in supervision and administration required to direct licensed child care programs and for the Site Supervisor and Program Director levels of the Child Development Permit.
CFE 111 Supervising Adults Child Care Settings
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 36 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 101, CFE 102, and CFE 103.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class explores methods and principles of supervising adults in early childhood education settings. Emphasis will be on the role of experienced teachers and administrators acting as mentors to new teachers while addressing other classroom need. This course is required for Master Teacher, Director, and Site Supervisor categories of the Child Development permit, and to apply to become a mentor teacher in the California Mentor Teacher Project.
CFE 113 Inclusive Early Childhood Education- Introduction to Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the variations in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. This course will introduce students to methods and principles of evaluating and planning appropriate classroom practices and settings for young children with diverse exceptional needs. It is designed to aid early childhood professionals in understanding and implementing programs for the inclusion of children with special needs in the least restrictive environment. Students will explore a variety of exceptional childrens’ needs as well as teaching strategies that welcome and enhance diversity in classroom settings.
CFE 114 Music and Movement Education for the Young Child
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students planning employment or already employed in early childhood and school-age programs. Students will analyze the principles of music and movement education and will design, assess and implement developmentally appropriate music and movement activities for all areas of classroom curriculum. A current TB clearance may be required.
CFE 115 Guiding Children's Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students preparing to work in early childhood and school-age settings, this course provides an overview of positive child guidance practices, foundations for understanding children's behavior, guidelines for effective communication, and assistance in planning curriculum and environments that promote the growth of social competence. Directed observations of early childhood programs in the community will be required. A current TB clearance may be required.
CFE 116 Diversity in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 103.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 230
Examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.
CFE 120 Infant/Toddler Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students planning to work in infant/toddler programs, this course promotes an understanding of infant/toddler development, accepted infant/toddler care theories and practices, health and safety concerns, and appropriate educational and parenting strategies. A study of infants and toddlers from preconception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. Students will observe infants and toddlers in home and childcare settings and evaluate adult/child interactions in the context of caregiving relationships. A current TB clearance may be required. This course meets California licensing requirements for the care of infants and toddlers in center-based and family child care-based settings.
CFE 122 Infant Toddler Strategies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students planning to work in early childhood settings, the course focuses on the child development sequences of children ages birth through age three. It includes development of appropriate learning environments, resources, and curriculum strategies for use with infants and toddlers. Students will observe infants and toddlers at home and early childhood centers and develop curriculum for use with children from birth to age three. This course meets California licensing requirements for the care and education of infants and toddlers in center-based and family-based child care programs.
CFE 150 Parenting: Infancy
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop an awareness of the dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Focus is on the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical maturation processes as they apply to the unique nature of parenting the infant through 2 years of age.
CFE 151 Parenting: The Preschool Child
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop an awareness of the dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Focus is on the cognitive, social, and physical maturation processes as they apply to the unique nature of parenting the preschool child ages 2-6 years. Students will be required to complete directed field observations of preschool age children as part of this course.
CFE 152 Parenting: The Elementary and Preadolescent Child
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop an awareness of the dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Focus is on the emotional, social, and physical maturation processes as they apply to the unique nature of parenting the elementary and preadolescent child. Students will be required to complete directed field observations of elementary and preadolescent children as part of this course.
CFE 155 Single Parenting
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop insights into the dynamics of the single parent-child relationship in the single family. Focus is on the social maturation process as it relates to the unique nature of the single parenting experience. The course addresses the special dynamics single parents confront in raising children both within and outside of the family. Interactions between the family, community, and various social systems will be identified and explored.
CFE 156 Stepparenting and Blended Families
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop an awareness of the dynamics of the parent-child relationship in a stepfamily or blended family. Focus is on the emotional and social maturation processes as they apply to this unique and ever-growing segment of the family in society. Communication and relationships both within and outside of the family are studied. Interactions between the family and the community, various social systems, and the effects on children's development and socialization are examined and explored.
CFE 157 Parenting the Exceptional Child
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop an awareness of the dynamics of the relationship between the parent and the child with special needs. Focus is on the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social maturation processes as they apply to the special needs child in the family. Components of parenting and varying family life circumstances will be examined. Issues surrounding diversity and social systems will be emphasized.
CFE 199 Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-8
- Hours
- 432 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students must also attend a scheduled orientation or meet individually with the supervising instructor for an individual orientation. The Child Family Education Work Experience Education is supervised employment designed to provide students with a realistic learning experience through work in the educational environment. The ultimate goal is to teach students skills and attitudes that will equip them to function and adapt as classroom support staff. Work Experience Education is supervised employment extending classroom-based occupational learning in an on-the-job learning situation related to the student's educational major or occupational goal. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to eight units per semester.
CFE 201 Child Development Practicum-Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 105.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
Proof of immunizations may be required. This course focuses on observation and assessment of children as it relates to the development of curriculum, preparation of classroom environments, and facilitation of classroom practices. Application of child development theory and assessment data to educational practices will be emphasized. Introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. Students will create learning plans using negotiated curriculum strategies. Practicum lab requires work in a supervised early childhood classroom setting, under the direction of an approved early childhood mentor teacher.
CFE 202 Child Development Practicum-Emergent Leadership
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102, CFE 103, CFE 105, and CFE 201.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
Proof of immunization may be required. This course is designed to provide the continuing practicum student with in-depth practice in the application of child development theory to classroom environments, curriculum development, educational practices, and staff, family and community relationships. Demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Practicum lab requires work in a supervised early childhood classroom setting, under the direction of an approved early childhood mentor teacher.
CFE 211 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 101 and CFE 102.
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
Laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.
CFE 212 School Age Programs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102 and CFE 106.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students employed in or planning employment in before and after school programs for elementary school children. Students will study the needs of school-age children and environments for school-aged care, review models of before and after school childcare programs and develop curriculum plans. Students will learn ways to effectively support children and their families and to identify community resources available to children and families.
CFE 213 Curriculum Strategies for School Age Programs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFE 102 and CFE 106.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for those students working in or planning to work in school-age programs. Topics to be covered include creating appropriate environments, reviewing school-age program models and designing developmentally appropriate and culturally diverse curriculum experiences for before and after school-age programs.