Child Development

The Associate Degree prepares students to transfer to four year colleges and universities and provides an introductory sequence of classes leading to careers in child development and elementary and secondary education. Students completing an A.A. degree are also eligible to apply for a California Child Development permit at the Teacher level. The Child Development Permit Matrix was developed to ensure a career pathway for child development professionals in state or federally funded programs.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. articulate five major child development theories and translate these theories into appropriate classroom environments that include learning centers and materials.
2. plan developmentally appropriate curriculum activities in the four domains of development: Cognitive (intellectual), Affective (social-emotional), Psychomotor (physical) and Language Development.
3. function within the scope of approved state and nationally accredited early childhood and childcare competencies.
4. practice within professional and legal standards, ethical principles, and demonstrate a sensitivity to language and cultural differences of the children, families, and staff where they will be working or completing their cooperative work experiences.
5. apply principles of written and verbal communication, and research to communicate relevant, accurate and complete information.
6. apply child development principles and sensitivity to theory and applications of working with families of children with special needs.
7. demonstrate an ability to design, develop and implement curriculum, appropriate educational environments, and successful teaching practices that enhance development in children in the early years.