# Child Development - Emphasis in Early Childhood and Elementary Teacher Preparation (Pre-Professional) (A.A. Degree)

Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Child Development

Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34297/34898/36109/34907/36026

Program Code: SAC.CDEPT.AA

Program Control Number: 08743

##### Former Title: Child Development - Emphasis in Preschool Age Care and Development

The Associate in Arts in Child Development - Emphasis in Early Childhood and Elementary Teacher Preparation (Pre-Professional) prepares students for transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor's degree and into a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential program and/or a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program, while providing students with knowledge about the comprehensive development of early childhood and elementary school age children.  Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and creating and implementing a high-quality classroom environment for children. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. The courses are part of the curriculum that can be started at the community college and completed at the university. The curriculum is designed for students who seek the pre-professional subject matter preparation for early childhood and elementary school teaching consistent with the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Additionally, the degree curriculum may serve as preparation for paraprofessional positions in the PK-12 classroom by satisfying unit requirements established by law.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood curriculum, program practices, and the development of young children.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Core Classes** | | 15 |
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| or APCD 107 | Apprenticeship Child Growth and Development (DS1) | 3 |
| CDEV 110 | Child, Family, and Community (DS2) | 3 |
| or APCD 110 | Apprenticeship Child, Family and Community (DS2) | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| or APCD 205 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| or EDUC 203 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| CDEV 221 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| or APCD 221 | Apprenticeship Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDEV 200 | Introduction to Technology in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| or EDUC 204 | Proficiency in Educational Technologies for Teachers | 3 |
| or APED 204 | Proficiency in Educational Technologies for Teachers | 3 |
| **Emphasis Courses** | | 33 |
| EDUC 201 | Introduction to Elementary Classroom Teaching | 3 |
| or APED 201 | Introduction to Elementary Classroom Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 120A | Development of the School-Age Child | 3 |
| or CDEV 120A | Development of the School-Age Child (DS5) | 3 |
| EDUC 114 | Tutoring Reading in Elementary Schools | 1 |
| or APED 114 | Tutoring Reading in Elementary Schools | 1 |
| BIOL 115 | Concepts in Biology for Educators | 4 |
| or CHEM 115 | Concepts in Physical Sciences for Educators | 4 |
| or ERTH 115 | Earth Science for Educators | 4 |
| or PSC 115 | Concepts in Physical Sciences for Educators | 4 |
| CDEV 108 | Observation and Assessment for Early Learning and Development (DS3) | 3 |
| or APCD 108 | Apprenticeship Observation and Assessment for Early Learning and Development | 3 |
| CDEV 111A | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 111B | Introduction to Curriculum for Young Children | 3 |
| or APCD 111B | Apprenticeship Introduction to Curriculum for Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 231 | Developing Language and Literacy in Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 297 | Analyzing and Applying Teacher Strategies in the Classroom | 3 |
| CDEV 296 | Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience | 4 |
| or APCD 296 | Apprenticeship Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience | 4 |
| ENGL 270 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| **Total** | | **48** |