PARENTING EDUCATION/FAMILY ADVOCACY
Certificate of Achievement Child Development and Family Studies · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Parenting Education/Family Advocacy Certificate of Achievement prepares students for employment with a family-strengthening agency, in an advocacy/case management role and/or in a professional role providing parenting education. The certificate is aligned with the Child Development and Family Studies A.A. degree coursework.
Learning Outcome(s):
- Explain children’s typical development from conception through adolescence in the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains.
- Identify community resources, and the protective factors, that strengthen and support children and their families and describe culturally appropriate strategies for collaboration with families to support children's development.
- Apply developmental theories and principles to diverse child-rearing situations, including specific parenting tasks, challenges, and related guidance strategies for each developmental stage.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (9 credits) | 9 | |
| CDFS 201 | CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| CDFS 202 | CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY | 3 |
| CDFS 217 | THE STUDY OF PARENTING: THEORY AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| Students will choose one additional course from the following (1 - 3 additional credits): | 1-3 | |
| CDFS 235 | UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORS THAT CHALLENGE | 1 |
| CDFS 240 | INFANT AND TODDLER DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| ASHS 278 | FAMILIES AND ADDICTION | 3 |
| Total | 10-12 | |