CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

The Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer degree will prepare students with the strong foundation necessary for pursuing studies at the university level in education, child development, child welfare, or other related programs focusing on children and their families from infancy through adolescence. Students completing this interdisciplinary degree learn the processes of change and growth that characterize human development from conception to age 25, preparing them to pursue employment in the human services field. The coursework is designed to meet the needs of students planning to transfer to a CSU, majoring in Child Development, Human Development, Child and Adolescent Development, and Liberal Studies (Child Development). Students completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in this major typically choose careers in education, social services, counseling, and child/youth/family advocacy, or in the field of health.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

The Cuesta College AA-T degree in Child and Adolescent Development requires:

(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 (Cal-GETC).

(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) Earn a 'C' or better grade in all courses required for the major area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Identify and discuss the various theories related to child and adolescent development
2. Synthesize and analyze research regarding social issues, developmental changes, and transitions that affect children, adolescents, and their families.