Special Education Assistant
Certificate of Achievement Childhood Education · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Behavioral & Social Science
www.elcamino.edu/academics/divisions/behavioral-social-sciences/
The child development program prepares students for careers in private or public programs serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children with special needs, or children in before and after school care. The transfer degree option prepares students to continue studies at a four-year institution and major in Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development, or Education. Students will acquire the ability to apply developmental theories in observing and assessing children in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains and will develop skills needed for working effectively with families, co-workers, and community agencies. Students will also gain the ability to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum. Program assessment will be conducted regularly through examinations, presentations, student self-assessment, portfolios, and tracking student employment and promotion in the teaching field.
For Gainful Employment program information, please visit www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/child-development.php
Certificate of Achievement
A Certificate of Achievement will be granted upon completion of all program requirements. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at El Camino College.
Required Core: 18 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CDEV 103 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV 104 | The Home, The School, The Community | 3 |
| CDEV 110 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 150 | Introduction to Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CDEV 152 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| CDEV 165 | Autism, ADHD, Physical and Health Impairments | 3 |
3 units from:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CDEV 115 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| CDEV 116 | Creative Art for Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 117 | Music and Movement for Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 118 | Science and Math for Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 119 | Language Arts for Young Children | 3 |
6 units from:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CDEV 108 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | Teaching Young Children in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDEV 114 | Observing and Assessing Young Children | 3 |
Total Units: 27
Note: Proof of a valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and immunizations may be required for employment. Note: Courses may not be counted in more than one category.
The State Department of Social Services will qualify a person as a preschool teacher if the student has at least 12 units in Early Childhood Education. These units must include CDEV 103, CDEV 104 and one course from CDEV 116, CDEV 117, CDEV 118 or CDEV 119. Preschool directors must complete 9 additional units in Program Administration (CDEV 129, CDEV 130, and CDEV 131).