Child Development
26 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
CHDEV 50 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 120
Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight: Exploration of the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators; identification of professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards; introduction to best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
CHDEV 52 Observation and Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CHDEV 51.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 200
Use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning: Use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools, strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.
CHDEV 53 The Child, the Family and the Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 110
Childhood socialization: Influences of family, school, peers, media, and community; historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors shaping development; specialized needs and available supports; respectful, reciprocal relationships empowering families; and preparation for licensing requirements in child-focused careers.
CHDEV 54A Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CHDEV 051.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Healthy social and emotional development of young children as the foundation for children’s early learning: Building a learning environment and partnerships with parents to promote the healthy social and emotional development of young children.
CHDEV 54B Introduction to Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CHDEV 051 .
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 130
Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings.
CHDEV 55A Practicum-Field Experience
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 7.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CHDEV 051 and CHDEV 050, CHDEV 053, CHDEV 054A, CHDEV 054B.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 210
Developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals: Connections between theory and practice, development of professional behaviors, and comprehensive understanding of children and families; reflective practice in the design, implementation, and evaluation of approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning; and exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.
CHDEV 55C Advanced Practicum-Field Experience
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 055A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Planning, providing and evaluating program areas: Overall supervision and classroom management of pre-school classroom. The practicum is conducted under supervision in Merritt Lab School or with mentor teacher.
CHDEV 56A Infant/Toddler Development and Care
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles and philosophy of infant care for children up to three years of age: Growth and development, health and nutritional needs, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, language development, development of a positive self image, parent education, community resources, and cultural and ethnic differences.
CHDEV 56B Curriculum and Environments for Infants and Toddlers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to organizing and developing activities for children aged 0-3 years: Focus on practical learning experiences in areas such as arts and crafts, imaginative play, music and movement, learning games; also covers culturally-appropriate activities, room arrangement, and classroom management.
CHDEV 58 Preschool Administration
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 054A, CHDEV 054B.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the administration of Early Childhood programs: Program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program that is responsive to the needs of the community.
CHDEV 59 Preschool Supervision and Staff Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 054Aor 54B.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings: Legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course is required for a Children’s Center Supervisor Permit.
CHDEV 60 Emergent Literacy and Children's Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 050 or CHDEV 051 or CHDEV C1000.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles, methods and materials for emergent reading and writing: Children's literature, language and literacy development in the early childhood classroom within a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
CHDEV 62 Overview of Operations of Family Child Care
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CHDEV 51.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Practical skills for setting up and operating a family child care home business: Major factors in operating a family day care home, creation of an optimum child care environment, infant and preschool development, relationships with families, community partners, parent communication, health and safety issues, legal requirements, and business considerations.
CHDEV 68 Play-Based Curriculum
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 050or 51 or (Facs 51).
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles and practices of play-based curriculum: Role of the teacher in facilitating children’s learning through play-based activities; observation and assessment in planning curriculum.
CHDEV 74 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- ECE 220
Laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood: Teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.
CHDEV 75 Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHDEV 054A and CHDEV 054B and
- Transfers to
- CSU
Methods and principles of supervising, mentoring, and coaching student teachers and other adults in early care and education settings. Presents the strategies and skills necessary to support the development of adult learners as effective mentors, coaches, and teachers. Emphasis is on individualized, relationship- and strength-based approaches, reflective practices, and constructive communication skills. Covers characteristics and roles, career requirements and pathways, and use of evaluation in setting professional learning goals.
CHDEV 80 Teaching in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ECE 230
Exploration of societal influences on children’s personal and social identity: Developmentally appropriate, inclusive, culturally relevant, anti-bias approaches. Examination of stereotypes, bias, and their impact on identity formation. Reflection on social identity through self-awareness and critical analysis. Strategies for fostering equity and inclusivity in early childhood settings.
CHDEV 84 Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CDEV C1000 or CDEV C1000.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with disabilities or delays in partnership with their families: Use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments; the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.
CHDEV 201 California Preschool Learning Foundations: English Language Development
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the English language learners domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including listening, speaking, reading and writing; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 202 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Literacy
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the language and literacy development domain in the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including listening and speaking, reading, and writing; and practical considerations for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 203 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Math
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the mathematics domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including number sense, algebra and functions, measurement, geometry, and mathematical reasoning; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 204 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Performing Arts
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the performing arts domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including music, drama, and dance; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 205 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Science
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the science domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands of scientific inquiry, physical, life, and earth sciences; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 206 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Visual Arts
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the visual arts domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including artistic expression and response, and skills using various art mediums; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 207 California Preschool Learning Foundations: Social and Emotional Development
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture
Introduction to the social and emotional development domain of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks: Domain strands including self, social interaction, and relationships; and practical strategies for implementation of the curriculum frameworks.
CHDEV 208 Strategies for Working with Challenging Behaviors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
Appropriate for classroom teachers in various settings, students will identify developmentally appropriate behaviors, challenging behaviors, and multiple influences that affect children's behavior. Students will analyze children's behaviors and select strategies to make positive changes. Emphasizes the connection between children's social and emotional development and their success in the classroom, and how the teachers' perception, experiences, and behavior influence child behaviors.