Child Development

Program Description

The Child Development Associate in Arts (AA) degree at Merritt College prepares students for careers in early childhood education. The program covers child growth and development, curriculum planning, and guidance strategies while aligning with the California Child Development Permit Matrix for Associate Teacher and Teacher permits. Students should be aware that entry-level positions in the field are often low-salaried and competitive, with some requiring additional experience or credentials. The program includes fieldwork that may require fingerprint clearance and compliance with state regulations. Academic counseling is recommended to ensure degree completion and career planning**.**

To qualify for the Associate in Arts Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AA degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in Early Care and Education include roles in child care centers, preschools, and elementary schools, working with children from birth to age five. Positions include Preschool Teacher, Family Child Care Owner/Operator, and various other roles within the early childhood education field. Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare (11-9031): Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (25-2011 ): Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. Childcare Workers (39-9011): Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate developmentally and culturally appropriate practice, including managing the physical, temporal and interpersonal environments
2. Assess the learning environment and the children, using standard assessment tools to form plans of action
3. Communicate effectively orally, and in writing, in a child care setting with children, families & co-workers
4. Work independently, and as a team member, in an effective manner while continuously strengthening leadership skills
5. Apply developmentally and culturally sensitive strategies to support social-emotional competence in early childhood settings.