Child Development

The Merced College Child Development Department offers students classes and training to meet California requirements for credentials and licenses, as well as an Associate of Arts in Child Development (AA) degree and an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T in ECE) degree. Preparation includes transfer level courses with several that meet general education requirements and Certificates of Achievement. Throughout all courses, students are trained culturally sensitive and family-focused perspectives that emphasize the value of individual differences in your children. The Child Development Department works closely with many community programs to meet the specific needs of the early care and education workforce.

Students are strongly encouraged to transfer to a 4-year college or university. In several courses, students are given information about pursuing their bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees. In particular classes, information, materials, and workshops on the California Teaching Credential Child Development Permit Matrix are shared. The permit matrix covers entry level positions through a master’s degree option. To increase the likelihood that students will transfer, students are required to develop an education plan with a counselor. Increasing numbers of our students are transferring to pursue degrees in child development, liberal studies, and other related fields.

For an Associate of Arts in Child Development, students must meet the graduation requirements and complete the following courses.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A. Develop knowledge of high quality developmentally appropriate practices.

B. Analyze the various theoretical frameworks and domains associated with typical and atypical development.

C. Formulate effective strategies that empower families and community.

D. Construct personal philosophy regarding professionalism and best practices in child development.

For an Associate in Arts in Child Development (AA):

• 60 semester degree-applicable units.

• Complete the associate breath requirements consisting of 24 units.

• A minimum of 18 semester units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

• Obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Requirements:

Program Core: (24 Units)

Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)

Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (12 Units)

Total Degree Units: (60 Units)