Child Development
A.S. Degree Child Development and Education · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Child Development A.S. degree prepares students to be competent and effective teachers and caregivers in settings for young children, where specific skills and knowledge are required to effectively address the multitude of teaching and caregiving tasks. Included are courses on child growth and development, child/family systems, current practices in brain research and its application to classroom teaching, working with children with special needs, and the importance of play in learning and curriculum development. The Math/Science and Creative Arts courses offer “hands on” knowledge and skills in curriculum/lesson plan implementation, and a student teaching practicum connects discipline theory to practical application. This program’s component courses satisfy the State Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the Child Development Associate Teacher and Teacher permits required for employment in both the private and public sector in California. This degree is primarily targeted at students who will meet their educational and career goals with an associate degree. Students planning to transfer to the California State University (CSU) system in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree are advised to follow the Early Childhood Education Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Design and demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum that supports children's cognitive, language, creative, physical, social, and emotional growth.
- List, describe, and interpret NAEYC quality standards for early childhood programs.
- Describe the importance of play.
- Translate current brain research into appropriate early childhood classroom practice.
- Recognize professional and legal best practices in dealing with children with special needs.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major requirements for the Associate in Science Degree (AS): | ||
| Required Core: | 30 | |
| CDE 2 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDE 4 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDE 7 | Curriculum Development: The Creative Arts | 3 |
| CDE 8 | Curriculum Development: Math and Sciences | 3 |
| CDE 23 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CDE 27 | Introduction to Curriculum Theory | 3 |
| CDE 50 | Administration of Child Development Programs | 3 |
| CDE 415 | Dynamics of Play | 3 |
| CDE 416 | Brain Research and the Implications for Classroom Teaching | 3 |
| CDE 430A | Infant and Toddler: Group Caregiving I | 3 |
| Total | 30 | |
Other Information
Public Service, Culture, and Society
Local Program (Major) Code: S090
Program Control Number: 04797
TOP Code: 1305.00*
CIP Code: 19.0709