Child and Adolescent Development

Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer

The focus of this Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer degree is to give students who may not be interested in a curricular or classroom focus an alternative option of study in the field of child development. It is designed to prepare students with a strong academic foundation necessary for continuing studies at California State Universities (CSUs) in majors that may include Child and Adolescent Development, Psychology (some CSUs), Early Childhood Studies, Human Development, Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation (some CSUs), Adolescent Development, Family Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences and Humanities. Students completing this interdisciplinary degree learn the process of change and growth that characterize Human Development from conception to adolescence, preparing them to pursue employment in the Human Services, Health, and Education fields; including, but not limited to: Child and Adolescent care and education, special education, child and adolescent health and a variety of youth related social service careers. Students who complete the degree will be ensured preferential transfer to local CSU’s. The degree requirements will fulfill the lower division major requirements at many CSUs. Students are advised, however, to meet with a counselor to assess the course requirements for specific CSUs and to validate which CSUs are considered local. Upon completion of the following requirements, the student will be eligible for an Associate Degree for Transfer: (1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: a. California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CalGETC). b. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. (3) The completion of all courses required for the major with a “C” or better. A “P” (Pass) grade is acceptable for courses in the major.

Program Learning Outcomes

• 1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to evaluate theories, concepts, developmental processes, and empirical approaches in the scientific study of child and adolescent development from diverse perspectives across the domains of physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and social development.

• 2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to develop evidence-based strategies for children and families relevant to a culturally pluralistic and linguistically diverse society.

• 3. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to analyze biological, psychological, and environmental influences used to study child and adolescent development.

Program Requirements