Child Development & Education (CDE) &
28 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
CDE 095A Child Development & Education Work Exper
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 270
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Child Development & Education.
CDE 102 Child, Family, & Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
Introduces the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, peers, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, birth through adolescence. Required for teachers in all early childhood education programs as a part of the 12 units for the Child Development Permit and licensing requirements for the State of California.(C-ID CDEV 110)
CDE 103 Principles & Practices of Teaching
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents an examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education. Emphasis on the role of the early childhood educator, the importance of teacher-child relationships, and effective teaching strategies and environmental design for supporting development in young 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. C-ID: ECE 120
CDE 104 Introduction to Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 101 or ECE 010 or concurrent enrollment CDE 102 or ECE 012 or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children. Students examine teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment strategies emphasizing the essential role of play. An overview of content areas will include, but not be limited to: language and literacy, social and emotional learning, sensory learning, art and creativity, math and science. (C-ID ECE 130)
CDE 201 Health, Safety, & Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
Introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, best practices and early childhood curriculum related to child health, safety, and nutrition. Includes prevention strategies, nutrition, and meal planning for various ages and planning education experiences integrated into daily routines designed to teach children positive health, safety, and nutrition habits. 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. (C-ID ECE 220)
CDE 202 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- 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 are 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. (C-ID ECE 230)
CDE 203 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 104.
- Advisory
- ENG 001A.
- 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 in order to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success and maintaining quality programs. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment methods are explored. (C-ID ECE 200)
CDE 204 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36, Lab Hours: 108
- Prerequisite
- CDE 203 (formerly ECE 046B).
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
A demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. 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. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. (C-ID ECE 210)
CDE 220 Infant/Toddler Growth & Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course studies the process of human development from conception through age three as determined by heredity, society, and human interaction with implications for child guidance. Prenatal development and the birth process are emphasized. Theoretical frameworks are applied to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Multiple influences on development are analyzed including cultural, linguistic, and ability differences are emphasized. The role of family and relationships in development are emphasized.
CDE 221 Infant/Toddler Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 220.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares students to apply current theory and research to the care and education of children from birth to 36 months including design of a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Licensing requirements and teacher competency necessary for working with children from birth to 36 months are explored. Essential policies and practices that contribute to high quality care for children from birth to 36 months are examined.
CDE 223 The Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 36
- Prerequisite
- CDE 203.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the role and development of early childhood education professionals as mentors and leaders.
CDE 224 Administration of Programs for Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 101 & completion of 9 additional units of CDE coursework.
- Advisory
- ENG 001A, CDE 102, CDE 103 and CDE 104.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. It is required by the State Department of Social Services for directors of private preschools and child care programs.
CDE 225 Advanced Administration of Programs for Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 224.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.
CDE 226A Parenting Infants & Toddlers
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for parents of infants and toddlers. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDE 226B Parenting the Preschool Child
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for parents of preschool aged children. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDE 226C Parenting the Young Child
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for those parenting children ages 5-8. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDE 227 Child Guidance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101 & ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents a developmentally appropriate approach to the guidance of children, including children with special needs. Effective guidance techniques, effective communication and working with children in groups will be covered. The role of and collaboration with familiy as a means to effective guidance will be covered. This course is intended for teachers and professionals who work with children in a variety of settings.
CDE 228 Child Maltreatment, Intervention, & Prevention
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation of minors (children and youth), as well as issues which contribute to child maltreatment. The developmental consequences of stress and trauma on children are explored. Emphasis is placed on appropriate ways to support family strengths, foster positive mental health and prevent, detect and intervene in cases of suspected child maltreatment. California Mandated Reporter Training will be completed as a part of this course.
CDE 229 Children's Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENGL 180
This course introduces students to a formal study of literature for children from preschool through middle school, including critical examination of genres, themes, and cultures depicted in these texts; in addition, students study the professional literary criticism of this literature. (Equivalent to ENG 036.)(C-ID ENGL 180)
CDE 230 English Language Learners in ECE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on principles for promoting language, literacy, and learning for preschool English language learners. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to foster an environment that respects and values linguistic and cultural diversity while assisting children toward the eventual mastery of English as a second language.
CDE 231 Creativity in Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines materials and techniques for teaching creative activities to young children. Developing creativity and cognitive flexibility are emphasized. Various sensory modalities are explored. Alignment of curriculum with California State Standards while providing a play-based creative environment is highlighted.
CDE 232 Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in ECE
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- CDE 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the development of curriculum ideas for teaching about scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technology (STEM) concepts to young children.
CDE 233 Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- ECE-010A CDE 101 or ECE 010.
- Advisory
- CDE 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to special education in early childhood settings. 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. The role of child development professionals and paraprofessionals in serving children with disabilities is emphasized. Strategies to include children with special needs in full inclusion settings are emphasized.
CDE 234 Inclusion Strategies for Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CDE 233.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares students to become professionals in programs serving children with special needs and their families. Covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families and communities. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Including the role of the teacher and other professionals working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and cultural competence. Strategies to support children with challenging behaviors are emphasized.
CDE 326A Parenting Infants & Toddlers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for parents of infants and toddlers. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDE 326B Parenting the Preschool Child
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for parents of preschool aged children. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDE 326C Parenting the Young Child
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 18
This course explores parent-child interaction patterns for those parenting children ages 5-8. Students examine age-appropriate behaviors, problem behaviors, observation and communication strategies. Special attention is given to family structures, cultural backgrounds, and parenting children with disabilities.
CDEV C1000 Child Growth & Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Formerly
- CDE 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 100
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories (formerly CDE 101). (C-ID CDEV 100)