Child Development - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation
A.A. Degree Child Development · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Code: SAC.CDEET.AA
Program Control Number: 04235
Former Title: Child Development - Emphasis in Infant/Toddler Care and Development
The Associate in Arts in Child Development - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education Teacher Preparation is for students interested in teaching at the Early Childhood Education level (infants, toddlers and preschool-age children). Students will engage in coursework as well as fieldwork and clinical practice at a Rancho Santiago Community College Laboratory School that will prepare them to teach young 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. Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to apply for the Child Development Teacher Permit, the early childhood education credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing which is required to teach in Title 5 programs. This includes federally funded programs (Head Start) as well as state-funded programs (school districts). The curriculum is designed for students who seek subject matter preparation for early childhood education teaching consistent with the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
This program also prepares students for transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor's degree and pursue a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential program and/or an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Instruction Credential program, while providing students with knowledge about the comprehensive development of infants, toddlers and preschool-age children. The courses are part of the curriculum that can be started at the community college and completed at the university. Additionally, the degree electives count towards additional certificates offered by the Child Development and Education Studies department.
Learning Outcome(s):
- 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 |
| orAPCD 107 | Apprenticeship Child Growth and Development (DS1) | 3 |
| orPSYC 157 | Introduction to Child Psychology | 3 |
| CDEV 110 | Child, Family, and Community (DS2) | 3 |
| orAPCD 110 | Apprenticeship Child, Family and Community (DS2) | 3 |
| CDEV 221 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| orAPCD 221 | Apprenticeship Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| orAPCD 205 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| orEDUC 203 | Introduction to Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| CDEV 200 | Introduction to Technology in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| orEDUC 204 | Proficiency in Educational Technologies for Teachers | 3 |
| orAPED 204 | Proficiency in Educational Technologies for Teachers | 3 |
| Emphasis Courses | 19 | |
| CDEV 108 | Observation and Assessment for Early Learning and Development (DS3) | 3 |
| orAPCD 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 |
| orAPCD 111B | Apprenticeship Introduction to Curriculum for Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 116A | Infant/Toddler Growth and Development (DS4) | 3 |
| orAPCD 116A | Infant/Toddler Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV 250 | Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education | 3 |
| CDEV 296 | Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience | 4 |
| orAPCD 296 | Apprenticeship Practicum - Student Teaching Field Experience | 4 |
| Electives - Choose 6 Units | 6 | |
| APCD 112 | Apprenticeship Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children | 3 |
| orCDEV 112 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Children | 3 |
| orCDEV 116B | Infant and Toddler Care and Curriculum | 3 |
| orCDEV 206 | Curriculum and Intervention Strategies for Children with Disabilities or Delays | 3 |
| orCDEV 207 | Supporting and Empowering Families of Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| orCDEV 210 | Creative Music Experiences for Young Children | 3 |
| orCDEV 214 | Creative Art Experiences for Children | 3 |
| orCDEV 215 | Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (DS6) | 3 |
| orCDEV 216 | Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (DS6) | 3 |
| orCDEV 220 | Understanding Child Abuse and Maltreatment | 3 |
| orCDEV 229 | Brain Development and Learning | 3 |
| orCDEV 230 | Child Guidance and Classroom Management | 2 |
| orCDEV 231 | Developing Language and Literacy in Young Children | 3 |
| orCDEV 232 | Math and Science Methods for Early Learning Environments | 3 |
| orCDEV 297 | Analyzing and Applying Teacher Strategies in the Classroom | 3 |
| Total | 40 | |