Child Development and Education
16 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CDE 1 Principles & Practices in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
Developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative, and intellectual development for all children. This course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity.
CDE 2 Child Growth and Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 100
This introductory course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development of various stages.
CDE 3 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play, and learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are explored.
CDE 4 Child, Family, and Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.
CDE 5 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
Introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures and early childhood curriculum related to child health safety and nutrition. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health and safety for both children and staff will be identified along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Focus on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development for all children.
CDE 6 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 230
Examination of the development of social identities in diverse societies including theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Course includes self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media and schooling.
CDE 7 Curriculum Development: The Creative Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the creative arts for young children. Storytelling, language, visual arts, drama, music, and dance are examined as an integral part of the child's world. Theories and techniques to develop children's creative abilities are explored. Emphasis on creative processes through appreciation of diversity in art and culture. Perspectives on values and problem solving that engage children's participation at all levels.
CDE 8 Curriculum Development: Math and Sciences
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to how children learn and develop concepts of math and science. Examination of young children's problem-solving abilities in regard to math and the sciences. Examination of theories that reinforce activities designed to practice skills in math and science domains. Introduction of learning strategies and styles are also explored.
CDE 23 Introduction to Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: CDE 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presentation of different types of physical and behavioral difficulties that interfere with normal cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Recognition of these difficulties, where to seek appropriate professional help, and how to work with children with special needs in the home and in the school.
CDE 27 Introduction to Curriculum Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: CDE 1; CDE 2; CDE 3; CDE 4
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles of early childhood growth and development as they apply to appropriate curriculum design. Curriculum planning of cognitive, physical, social, emotional, cultural, creative, and language arts lesson plans for developmentally appropriate environments.
CDE 28 Advanced Curriculum Theory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: CDE 27
- Corequisite
- Concurrent or Previous Enrollment or completion with a C or better in: CDE 28W
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
Advanced principles and practices of curriculum theory of early childhood growth and development and their application through student teaching. Emphasis on health and safety, language capability, cognitive development, and physical needs in the learning environment, as well as development of effective communication skills for teachers. Advanced curriculum planning and implementation of cognitive, physical, social, emotional, cultural, and creative and language arts lesson plans in developmentally appropriate environments, with focus on the creation of an unbiased curriculum and learning environment.
CDE 28W Practicum II: Supervised Occupational Work Experience
- Units
- 1
- Corequisite
- Concurrent or Previous Enrollment or completion with a C or better in: CDE 28
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
Advanced, supervised application of the principles of early childhood growth and development to student teaching. Emphasis on health and safety, language capability, cognitive development, and physical needs in the learning environment, as well as development of effective communication skills for teachers. Advanced curriculum planning and implementation of cognitive, physical, social, emotional, cultural, and creative and language arts lesson plans in developmentally appropriate environments, with focus on the creation of an unbiased curriculum and learning environment. Course requires 54 hours of supervised practicum in various community child development programs.
CDE 50 Administration of Child Development Programs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles, techniques, and methods necessary for the efficient administration of programs in early childhood education. Private preschools, church-sponsored schools, publicly funded day-care programs, Head Start, and related programs. Particular emphasis on program development, budgeting, staff relationships, leadership/supervision, and governmental regulations, licensing, and certification. Required for Child Development Site Supervisor and/or Program Director Permit.
CDE 415 Dynamics of Play
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
Analysis of the ways that play affects the social, emotional, and physical development of young children. Methods of analyzing play activities, designing play environments, and facilitating enhanced play experiences are examined.
CDE 416 Brain Research and the Implications for Classroom Teaching
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- CDE 2
Introduction to a child's brain physiology and functioning. Current brain research and its relevance to educational practices and the guidance of young children. Current brain research findings in the areas of learning and memory, effects of stress and drugs, emotional and intellectual functioning, and gender differences in brain function and behavior for the developing child. Implications of brain research on communicating and interacting with young children in ways that elicit positive behaviors.
CDE 430A Infant and Toddler: Group Caregiving I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Advisory
- CDE 2
Infant and toddler (birth through three years of age) development, as reflected in theory and research findings, including socialization, emotional development and temperament. Appropriate health, safety, and nutritional practices for environments; routines; and culturally sensitive care for infants and toddlers are also covered.