Non-Credit Basic Education
25 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
NBE 016 Supplemental Skills for Non- Credit English as a Second Language
- Hours
- 12-48, 0.67-2.66
- Corequisite
- Enrollment in English as a Second Language
NBE 016 is an open entry/open exit course designed to provide additional opportunities for students enrolled in the ESL Noncredit program to develop their English skills, specifically in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. Emphasis is on the use of multimedia equipment and materials, print and audiovisual materials. This class helps students improve language skills through independent, self-paced use of multimedia equipment and materials.
NBE 017 Digital Photography
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lab weekly
This is a course of study in the major components of the digital darkroom. The course includes the theory and use of digital cameras, scanners, editing software, and printers. Emphasis is on the usage of digital imagery. Lab sections consist of actual hands on use of the digital camera, computer utilization, including editing, scanning, cropping, and final output.
NBE 021 Theatre Rehearsal and Performance For Older Adults
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 0.5 hours lecture weekly, 2.5 hours lab weekly
Theatre Rehearsal and Performance provides an introductory level of instruction to older students with little or no experience in the performing arts. Students will audition for, rehearse, and perform in a college production. The course intends to assist older adults in identifying and examining personal interest and aptitudes in theatre to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as appreciation of the arts.
NBE 022 Technical Theatre For Older Adults
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 0.5 hours lecture weekly, 2.5 hours lab weekly
Technical Theatre provides an introductory level of instruction to older students with little or no experience in the theatrical arts. Students will construct costumes, props, sets, and scenery for college productions. Opportunities include programming and operating the sound and lighting equipment in the college's theater. The course assists older adults in identifying and examining personal interest and aptitudes in theatre to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as appreciation of the arts.
NBE 028 Vocational Drawing
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 0.22 hours lecture weekly, 0.77 hours lab weekly
This course is designed to teach skills in creating drawings for fun, home improvement projects, or job-related areas. Introduces students to techniques and theory they need to explore traditional and experimental methods in drawing. There is an emphasis on foundation skills such as form, value, composition, and perspective. Self-expression and observation skills will also be stressed. No previous art experience is required.
NBE 036 Instrumental Ensemble For Older Adults
- Hours
- 18-54, 1-3
This non-credit instrumental ensemble can be configured as a pep band, jazz ensemble, mariachi, or a combination of various styles. The class involves rehearsal, performance and study of instrumental literature and an introduction to music theory as a means of learning to read music rather than learning by rote. The course intends to assist older adults in identifying and examining personal interest and aptitudes in music to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as appreciation of the arts.
NBE 039 Basic Principles of Quilting
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 0.5 hours lecture weekly, 2.5 hours lab weekly
This course consists of pattern development, fabrics best suited for quilt creations and types of quilts for various occasions and uses, as well as various techniques in stitching to include machine and hand stitching. Students will develop an understanding of the elements of quilt construction; quilting, batting, backing and binding and binding.
NBE 062 Computer Keyboarding
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lab weekly
The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students to meet personal and professional communication needs using digital-age technology and keyboarding skills. The course will lay a basic foundation for effective communication and information sharing: letters, reports, email.
NBE 069 CPR & First Aid
- Hours
- 9 hours total, 0.22 hours lecture weekly, 0.27 hours lab weekly
Training for citizens and employees in Adult, Child and InfantCPR (Cardio Pulmonary Rescue) and Basic First Aid. Participants will learn to recognize and intervene in life-threatening emergencies, and warning signs of heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, and choking. Participants will receive either an American Heartsaver or an American Red Cross card for CPR and First Aid.
NBE 070 Citizenship For Immigrants
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 0.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.22 hours lab weekly
This course will cover procedures and forms necessary to become a U.S. Citizen. Students will learn the necessary conversational skills, knowledge of American history, and government required for passing the United States citizenship exam. Students will study the U.S. systems of government, major American historical events, current events, and American culture. All topics covered in the official exam will be presented to the student in practice tests. Students will also be introduced to the on-line process of applying for citizenship.
NBE 073 Classroom Piano For Older Adults
- Hours
- 12-36, 0.16-0.5, 0.5-1.5
Classroom Piano is designed for older students who have an interest in learning to play piano and other keyboard instruments. It aims to acquaint those with very little or no experience with the basics keyboard instruments with the basics of keyboard techniques and a rudimentary knowledge of reading music for piano and other keyboards. The course assists older adults in identifying and examining personal interest and aptitudes in music to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as appreciation of the arts.
NBE 076 Vocal Ensemble For Older Adults
- Hours
- 12-36, 0.16-0.5, 0.5-1.5
Vocal Ensemble is designed for older students who have an interest in learning to sing and who enjoy music. Topics include breath control, tone placement, articulation, enunciation, and the rehearsal, performance and study of choral literature. The course Introduces music theory as a means of learning to read music rather than learning by rote. It assists older adults in identifying and examining personal interest and aptitudes in music to enhance mental acuity and creativity, as well as appreciation of the arts.
NBE 087 BLS-CPR
- Hours
- 4 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 2 hours lab weekly
The American Heart Association's BLS course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
NBE 100 Child Growth and Development
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
This course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/ language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.
NBE 101 Certified Home Health Aide
- Hours
- 20 hours total, 0.55 hours lecture weekly, 0.55 hours clinical
- Corequisite
- NUR 100
- Transfers to
- CSU
Role of the Home Health Aide in providing personal care in assisted living and home care settings. Topics include: interpretation of medical and social needs of patients, preparation of nutritionally-appropriate meals, assistance with client self-administration of medication, provision of personal care and cleaning tasks in patients homes, and client care status reporting procedures.
NBE 111 Preparation in Education
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
This course will help prepare students interested in a career in education, either teachers or support staff. Students will gain an understanding of how to promote positive school culture by supporting the social and emotional development of learners, and by helping to develop a sense of self as a valued and responsible member of the community. Students will also learn to use computers in the classroom and support environments, learn basic mathematical computations and techniques to support first-time learners of math, and will gain knowledge and ability to use CPR and first aid to help ensure the safety of the learning community.
NBE 120 Developing Capable People
- Hours
- 36 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly
This training course, by H. Stephen Glenn, Ph.D., is a powerful program for preparing adults who work with young people to help them develop the perceptions and skills that determine how effectively people deal with life. Young people who gain strength in these assets normally increase in character, resiliency, and other human intelligences essential for living healthily and successfully, meeting the challenges of life, learning, relationship, and the work world. This course is based on a unique inductive learning model which emphasizes collaboration, unique relationships, and situations so that they can achieve personal mastery.
NBE 130 Art for Early Childhood Education
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
This course is an introductory study of the function of creativity and the affective domain in early childhood educational programs. Emphasis is placed on the development of art curriculum activities, basic teaching skills, guidance techniques, equipment and materials. Students select appropriate activities for a variety of age and maturity levels based on child development theories and concepts.
NBE 131 Music for Early Childhood Education
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
This course will provide the student with basic skills and techniques for using instruments, records, songs, and rhythmic movement with young children. Creation of a curriculum to utilize the child's need for a balance of musical activities appropriate to their development will be explored. Previous music experience not required.
NBE 135 Literature for Early Childhood
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
Students will explore techniques for promoting language development in the young child. Theories, teaching strategies, and instructional materials pertinent to teaching reading and writing in grades PK-3 will be discussed. Course includes an emphasis on integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as integration across content areas while addressing diversity and inclusion. Verbal and non-verbal languages will be addressed. The development of a reading readiness curriculum for PK-3rd grade children will be discussed as students plan environments that incorporate language across the curriculum and throughout the day. Students will survey children's books and literature, develop appropriate lesson activities, and practice storytelling techniques.
NBE 145 Child Abuse and Neglect
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
This course provides an overview of child abuse and neglect, from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics include physical and emotional abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, reporting and investigation, case management and the legal response, treatment for victims and abusers, and prevention of future child abuse and neglect. This course would be an asset for clinicians, teachers, case workers and individuals that work with children. Students will examine related news topics and an in-depth case study as part of course requirements.
NBE 160 Emergency Medical Technician
- Hours
- 171.54 hours total, 5 hours lecture weekly, 3.2 hours lab weekly, 1.33 hours clinical
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisite 16 years of age and current BLS card
The Emergency Medical Technician course is approved by the Riverside County Health ServicesAgency (Emergency Medical Services Division). The purpose of the EMT training course is toprepare the individual to render basic life support at the scene of an emergency, during transportof the sick and injured, or during inter-facility transport within an organized EmergencyMedical Services (EMS) System. The course emphasizes demonstration of competency andproficiency in the required skills. The course is recommended for ancillary medical emergencypersonnel. The student must be 16 years of age to register. Passing score is at least 80% for theindividual's name to be submitted for National Registry Testing for certification processing.National testing cannot occur until the student is 18 years old. Course completion is valid for twoyears for National Registry Testing purposes. The hours for the EMT course are determined byRiverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency. A minimum passing score of 80% is sent toRiverside County EMS Authority for certification processing. The course includes additional clinicaltime at hospital and/or ambulance setting. Upon completion the student will have met therequired standards and be eligible to register for the National Registry Emergency MedicalTechnician (NREMT) - Basic Examination if the age requirement is met. This course is requiredfor ambulance personnel. This course is pass/no pass.
NBE 205 Equipment Operations
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
This class provides students with skills to demonstrate proficiency in the use of equipment used in material handling. Topics include counterbalance Forklift and Rough Terrain telehandler safety principles, driving, lifting, loading and proper maintenance of equipment. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be certified as an Industrial Equipment Operator. Job opportunities for Forklift Operators include warehouse shipping and receiving, construction sites, ports and docks, retail stores and all other businesses that require material handling. Instruction in English with assistance in Spanish.
NBE 227 Parenting Principles and Communication
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lecture weekly
This is the study of the basic and advanced techniques of positive parenting, including assertive discipline, self-esteem, open communications, support networks, encouraging responsibility, and improved communication skills.
NBE 270 Open Skills Nursing Lab
- Hours
- 36 hours total, 6 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- Must be enrolled into the RN program.
Open skills Nursing lab will provide nursing students the opportunity to practice their nursing skills in the skills lab with a faculty member. The importance of practice in skills lab is that it combines the atmosphere of the hospital environment within a learning environment. It is instrumental in promoting the success of nursing students as they progress through their program.