Child Development and Family Relations
22 courses · Butte College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CDF 12 Child, Family, and Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
This course provides an understanding of 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. (C-ID CDEV 110).
CDF 18 Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers issues related to children with varying abilities ages birth through eight. Exploring first the history of related legislation and referral process, teaching practices, philosophies of inclusion intervention methods, and then working respectfully with families. Observations in public or private child development centers or schools are required.
CDF 30 Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 34 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines methods and principles of supervising student teachers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.
CDF 40 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
This course 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 is emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. (C-ID ECE 200).
CDF 48 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
This course is a study of the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. 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. (C-ID ECE 120).
CDF 56 Prenatal, Infant, and Toddler Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores prenatal, infant and toddler development, including physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional growth and development. Students will apply theory and practice to interpret behaviors and interactions between heredity and environmental factors while emphasizing the role of family and relationships in early childhood development.
CDF 57 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 230
This course presents an examination of 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 curricula will be explored, as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. This course places emphasis on self-reflection of the influence of teachers’ own cultures and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families. (C-ID ECE 230).
CDF 63 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
This course provides an exploration of developmentally appropriate curricula and environments for children from birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curricula in all content areas to support children’s development and learning in indoor and outdoor settings. (C-ID ECE 130).
CDF 65 Infant/Toddler Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The essential policies, principles, and effective practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months are also examined.
CDF 78 Early Childhood Education Practicum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 17 hours lecture, 102 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- 12 units from, CDF 12, CDEV C1000, CDF 18, CDF 40, CDF 48, CDF 56, CDF 57, CDF 63, CDF 65, CDF 80
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
This course provides hands-on experience with developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will use practical classroom experiences to connect 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. The course includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. (C-ID ECE 210).
CDF 80 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
This course is a study of laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children from birth through middle childhood. It includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integration of health, safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management. (C-ID ECE 220).
CDF 84 Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the administration of early childhood programs, including program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. The course will examine administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. This course partially meets the administrative units required by the State of California to meet licensing requirements and administrative units for the Child Development Permit.
CDF 85 Admin II: Personnel & Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Topics include legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course partially meets the administrative units required by the State of California to meet licensing requirements and administrative units for the Child Development Permit.
CDF 91 Parenting in Today's Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course applies child development research to inform best parenting practices. Students will learn about social and cultural trends of parental practices including the usage of community resources. Topics covered include parenting styles, education, physical/social-emotional and sexual abuse, substance abuse, youth culture, media impact and parenting a special needs child.
CDF 93 Strengthening Families
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 51 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the roles and responsibilities of professionals collaborating with families. An emphasis is placed on current trends and issues with families parenting children between the ages of 0 to 13 years of age. Topics include family growth and development, family structures, challenges confronting the contemporary family, and strategies to strengthen families.
CDF 97 Special Problems-CDF
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 51-153 hours independent study
- Prerequisite
- Permission of instructor
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised study and practice in solving special problems in the student's career major. Any student interested in registering for a Special Problems course should contact a full-time instructor or chair/coordinator in the appropriate area no later than the last day of the tenth week of instruction. Students may not petition for a Special Problems course until they have completed satisfactorily 12 units of study at Butte College. 51-153 hours Independent Study. This course may be repeated to a maximum of 3.00 units.
CDF 99 Work Experience-CDF
- Units
- 0.5-8
- Hours
- 25.5-408 hours independent study
- Prerequisite
- Permission of Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor
- Transfers to
- CSU
Work experience is an experiential course where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, explore possible career choices, build confidence, network with people in the field, and transition into the world of work. Work experience may include paid or unpaid employment. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every fifty-one hours of work experience. Students may enroll in this course up to 8 unit(s) to complete the entire curriculum of the course. A maximum of sixteen units can be earned in work experience courses during a student’s enrollment with Butte College.
CDF 310 Exploring Careers in Child Development
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 17 hours lecture
This course explores careers in Child Development and Early Childhood Education for students with an interest in working with children and families. Emphasis is placed on understanding the differences between the California Teaching Permit Matrix and the California Teaching Credential, while comparing various educational settings and the required teacher qualifications. Unlimited repeats. Ungraded. Open Entry/Open Exit.
CDF 315 Introduction to Family Child Care Licensing
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 17 hours lecture
This course examines the differences between licensed and license-exempt child care practices. Students will learn about Title 22, regulations to apply for a licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH), and the required steps to become a License-Exempt Child Care Provider (LECCP). Emphasis is made on safe environments, record keeping, and building positive relationships with children and families. Unlimited repeats. Ungraded. Open Entry/Open Exit.
CDF 324 Observing and Guiding Children's Behavior
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 17 hours lecture
This course examines the role of observation in understanding young children's behavior to develop strategies that foster healthy social and emotional growth through positive guidance. Students will explore how environmental factors and caregiver interactions impact behavior, and learn how to establish relationships that promote a positive learning community in which all children feel safe, valued, and respected. Special focus will be placed on the child's development, the family background, and the cultural context. Unlimited repeats. Ungraded. Open Entry/Open Exit.
CDF 325 Play Based Curriculum for Children
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 17 hours lecture
This course explores the benefits of play-based learning for young children. Students will gain an understanding of how play serves as a critical component in children’s development. Different types of play and the caregiver’s role in supporting and facilitating play experiences will be examined. Unlimited repeats. Ungraded. Open Entry/Open Exit.
CDF 331 ECE Mentor Director and Teacher Seminar
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 16 hours lecture
This course provides an opportunity for early childhood mentor directors and teachers to discuss current issues related to their role as supervisors of early childhood student teachers, plan in-service activities and provide professional support for one another. Unlimited repeats. Ungraded. Open Entry/Open Exit.