Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a child and adolescent development degree, an emphasis or option within a child and adolescent development degree, or a degree considered similar to child and adolescent development at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.
Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses may require additional lower-division major preparation.
This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a child and adolescent development major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to analyze and apply principles of growth and development from conception through adolescence.
| Required Core: | 10 | |
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Introduction to Psychology * | ||
or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology (Honors) | |
| Biostatistics * | ||
or BUS 204 | Business Statistics | |
or PSYC 104 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | |
or PSYC 104H | Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | |
or SOCI 125 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | |
or STAT C1000E | Introduction to Statistics (Embedded Support) | |
or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics (Honors) | |
| List A: 3 courses. | 9 | |
| Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | ||
| Child, Family, and Community | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
or SOCI 205 | Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology | |
| Total Units | 19 | |
Course satisfies a general education requirement on the Cal-GETC general education (GE) pattern. Note: All of the statistics and honors courses listed are also GE courses.
NOTE: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.
Students completing this associate degree will have completed the lower-division major preparation for a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or a similar major at a participating CSU campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Students completing this degree program will also be prepared for employment in a variety of school and community settings. Early Childhood Education students with this degree possess the competencies to work in both private and public early care and education settings serving infants through preschool-age children. Students can also work as a teacher in a before-and-after school program serving school-age children. This degree meets the course work requirements of the Teacher level Child Development Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
Complete all courses in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
Complete the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable grade point average of 2.0.
Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at MiraCosta College.
At the conclusion of the program of study, the student will be able to analyze and apply key theories and concepts of early care and education to employment settings and to advanced academic study in child development and related academic disciplines.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 235 | Children in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
Course satisfies a general education requirement on the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
NOTE: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.
The Child Development program certificates are designed to prepare students for employment as teachers, aides, directors, and entrepreneurs in preschools, child care centers (including infant/toddler facilities), and family child care programs. Courses are also appropriate for parents, nannies, camp counselors, recreation leaders, elementary school teaching assistants, social service and health care practitioners, administrators, and others working with children.
Certificates meet the course requirements for teachers and directors of private child care programs licensed by the California State Department of Social Services (Title 22), Community Care Licensing. The program also meets the coursework requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Child development programs that are state or federally funded (Title 5 programs, such as Head Start and state preschools) follow the Child Development Permit Matrix.
The Child Development program offers six certificates to meet the individual student's needs. Because the certificates follow the Child Development Permit Matrix and are sequential, students can continue to earn additional certificates. Course work completed for the Assistant and Associate Teacher certificates provides the foundation for more specialized courses and a wider range of career options with the Teacher, Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, and Early Intervention and Inclusion certificates.
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for centers regulated by Title 22. It also meets the Associate Teacher Permit requirements for provision of instruction and supervision of assistant teacher-level staff in Title 5 schools.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design and implement curriculum based on observation and assessment of young children to support play and learning in an early childhood classroom.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| Select at least 6 elective units from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | ||
| Child Behavior and Guidance | ||
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Science and Math for Young Children | ||
| Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
| Art for Young Children | ||
| Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
| Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | ||
| Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs | ||
| Children in a Diverse Society | ||
| Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Associate Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 50 days of 3 or more hours per day within 2 years.
This certificate is designed to train students to work with young children with special needs (birth to 8 years of age), with those who may be at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, and with their families. This certificate is appropriate for students working as an assistant or a paraprofessional in early intervention or early childhood special education, or as a teacher in an inclusive early childhood program.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to adapt early learning activities and classroom strategies that meet the individual needs of young children.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
| CDEV 111 | Programs for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| or CDEV 212 | Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care | |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 230 | Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| CDEV 240 | Children with Special Learning Needs | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Total Units | 27 | |
This course has the following prerequisites: CDEV 105, CDEV 106, CDEV 112 or CDEV C1000, and CDEV 210.
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for centers regulated by Title 22. It also meets the Teacher Permit requirements for provision of instruction and supervision of assistant or associate teacher-level staff in a Title 5 (state or federally funded) child development program.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design and implement curriculum based on observation and assessment of young children to successfully manage an early childhood classroom.
See notation for 16-unit general education requirement.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Science and Math for Young Children | ||
| Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
| Art for Young Children | ||
| Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
| Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs | ||
| Children in a Diverse Society | ||
| Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
| Select at least 16 units in general education. | 16 | |
| Include at least one course in each of the following: Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, English. | ||
| Total Units | 43 | |
This course has the following prerequisites: CDEV 105, CDEV 106, CDEV 112 or CDEV C1000, and CDEV 210.
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 175 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years.
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for Title 22 schools. It is designed to meet the Master Teacher requirements for Title 5 child development programs. This includes providing instruction, supervising assistants, associate teachers, and teacher-level staff, and serving as coordinator of curriculum and staff development.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design, implement, and evaluate effective program practices to successfully manage an early childhood classroom.
See notation for 16-unit general education requirement.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 245 | Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Select at least 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| Science and Math for Young Children | ||
| Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
| Children in a Diverse Society | ||
| Select at least 6 units from one area of specialization : | 6 | |
| Infant/Toddler | ||
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care | ||
| Creative Arts | ||
| Art for Young Children | ||
| Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
| Special Needs | ||
| Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs | ||
| Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
| Consult faculty for other specialization options. | ||
| Select at least 16 units in general education. | 16 | |
Include at least one course in each of the following: Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, English. | ||
| Total Units | 52 | |
This course has the following prerequisites: CDEV 105, CDEV 106, CDEV 112 or CDEV C1000, and CDEV 210.
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Master Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 350 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years.
This certificate is designed for students who will be single-site supervisors under Title 5 or center directors under Title 22. It allows holders to supervise master teachers, teachers, associate teachers, and assistants as well as to manage single-site programs, provide instruction, and serve as coordinators of curriculum and staff development.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design, implement, and evaluate effective program practices to successfully manage an early childhood center or program.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CDEV 245 | Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education | 3 |
| CDEV 250 | Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDEV 251 | Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDEV 270 | Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience | 3 |
| Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs | ||
| Children in a Diverse Society | ||
| Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
| Total Units | 36 | |
This course has the following prerequisites: CDEV 105, CDEV 106, CDEV 112 or CDEV C1000, and CDEV 210.
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Site Supervisor, students must also complete an Associate in Arts degree and an experience requirement of 350 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years, including at least 100 days of supervising adults.
This certificate program is designed to prepare students to launch, operate, and sustain a licensed family child care business that reflects high standards in both child development and small business ownership. It supports students in building the dual competencies needed to provide developmentally appropriate, inclusive care for children while managing the financial, regulatory, and operational aspects of a high-quality home-based early learning program.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to operate a licensed family child-care business that integrates developmentally appropriate and inclusive early learning practices with foundational knowledge of financial management, regulatory compliance, and effective program administration.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 104 | Family Child Care Business Essentials | 3 |
| CDEV 105 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDEV 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
| CDEV 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| Major Electives - complete two of the following: | 6 | |
| Child Behavior and Guidance | ||
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Children in a Diverse Society | ||
| Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
| Total Units | 27 | |
This certificate meets the minimum teaching requirements for private child care centers regulated by Title 22. It also allows students to assist in the instruction of children under the supervision of an associate teacher-level or above in a Title 5 child development program.
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to convey how theories of child development and socialization can be applied to support play and learning in an early childhood classroom.
| Required courses: | ||
| CDEV 112 | The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood | 3 |
| or CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | |
| CDEV 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| Select at least 6 elective units from the following: | 6 | |
| Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | ||
| Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | ||
| Child Behavior and Guidance | ||
| Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
| Science and Math for Young Children | ||
| Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
| Art for Young Children | ||
| Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
| Health, Safety, and Nutrition | ||
| Total Units | 12 | |
How to Read Course Descriptions
For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage.
CDEV C1000: Child Growth and Development
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in CHLD 113.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for CHLD 112, CHLD 113, CDEV 112, CDEV C1000, or PSYC 121. Formerly CHLD 113. C-ID CDEV-100.
CDEV 104: Family Child Care Business Essentials
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course focuses on developing and operating a high-quality family child care program. It emphasizes core theoretical principles of early childhood education, business management, relationship-based care, family engagement, culturally responsive practices, curriculum development, and implementation designed for mixed-age groups in a home-based setting. Other topics include licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, developmentally appropriate practices, observation and assessment, and strategies for creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
CDEV 105: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course introduces working with young children in early care and education programs. It examines the theories and principles of developmentally appropriate practice in early learning environments and emphasizes positive relationships; constructive adult-child interactions; program planning; and culturally responsive, effective teaching strategies that draw upon cultural funds of knowledge in children and families. Topics include the historical roots of early childhood programs; contemporary curriculum models; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, professional identity, and an understanding of career pathways. Formerly CHLD 105. C-ID ECE-120.
CDEV 106: Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course introduces teachers of young children (birth to age eight) to designing early learning environments and planning curriculum in early care and education settings. It covers the relationship of theory and practice, the contributions of current research, the influence of different curriculum models and approaches, the role of observation, documentation and assessment in the curriculum planning process, and the incorporation of reflective teaching practices across the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. Students examine the teacher's role in supporting development and engagement for all young children. Formerly CHLD 106. C-ID ECE-130.
CDEV 109: Child Behavior and Guidance
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course relates children's behavior to appropriate teaching and parenting strategies and interventions. It explores effective techniques for interacting with children, including children with special needs, and addresses issues such as separation from parents, new experiences, routines, peer interaction, fears, frustrations, and aggression. Students learn how to access community agencies and family services to provide specialized support. Formerly CHLD 109.
CDEV 111: Programs for Infants and Toddlers
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course is specifically designed for caregivers of infants and toddlers. It focuses on the growth and development of the child, prenatal through three years of age, within various social contexts. Topics include fostering relationships, implementing health and safety practices, designing early learning environments and activities, accommodating individual differences, and creating partnerships with parents and families. This course meets state licensing requirements for child care providers. Formerly CHLD 111.
CDEV 112: The Developing Child: Conception through Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course examines the major physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through age six. It emphasizes the interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors within cultural and family contexts. While studying developmental theory and research methodologies, students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Formerly CHLD 112. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for CHLD 112, CHLD 113, CDEV 112, CDEV C1000, or PSYC 121.
CDEV 130: Science and Math for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course provides teachers with knowledge and skills related to science and mathematics curriculum in early care and education settings. It focuses on understanding the ways in which children learn science and mathematics, the stages of children's cognitive development, the scientific process, content and standards of science and mathematics education, the teacher's role in the scientific process, and ways in which science and mathematics can be integrated across the early childhood curriculum. Formerly CHLD 130.
CDEV 140: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course gives teachers of young children the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, document, and implement language and literacy activities in the early childhood classroom. It focuses on understanding how our image of the child reflects the methods and materials provided for language and literacy. Topics include the developmental stages of children's language and communication skills, the teacher's role in language and literacy, and ways in which language and literacy can be integrated across the early childhood curriculum. Formerly CHLD 140.
CDEV 150: Art for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course prepares early childhood educators with the skills and knowledge to foster creativity, identity development, and aesthetic awareness through exploration of diverse art media and developmentally appropriate experiences. Emphasis is placed on how educators' image of the child shapes teaching strategies, the progression of children's art, and the design of inclusive, culturally sustaining, anti-bias environments. Topics include studio and art center design; planning, observing, documenting, and exhibiting children's artwork; the teacher's role in the creative process; and integrating art and aesthetics across all domains of the early childhood curriculum. Formerly CHLD 150.
CDEV 160: Music and Movement for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
This course equips early childhood educators with the skills and knowledge to meaningfully incorporate music and movement into the early learning environment to support self-expression, belonging, and holistic development. Topics include how educators' image of the child influences the selection of methods and materials; developmental stages of musical and bodily expression; and the creation of music and movement experiences that are culturally sustaining, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive of all learning needs. Students will explore the teacher's role in facilitating creative processes, strategies for planning, documenting, and adapting music and movement experiences, and methods for integrating music and movement across all domains of early childhood curriculum. Formerly CHLD 160.
CDEV 200: Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course focuses on the appropriate use of observation and assessment strategies to document child growth and development, appraise child behavior, and plan for learning in quality early childhood programs. The course also explores recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, documentation, and various assessment methods. Students are required to conduct and analyze in-person child observations. Formerly CHLD 200. C-ID ECE-200.
CDEV 205: Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course provides those who care for children (birth through middle childhood) with an overview of health, safety, and nutrition issues. Students develop skills and techniques in ways to promote physical and mental health, identification and management of common childhood illnesses, menu planning and nutritional analysis, safety management and injury prevention, child abuse identification and prevention, and program planning. Topics also include the teacher's role in prevention strategies, culturally and developmentally appropriate practice, integration of health, safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, collaboration with families and health professionals, policies and regulations, children with special needs, and current issues. Formerly CHLD 205. C-ID ECE-220.
CDEV 210: Child, Family, and Community
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course examines the developing child in a societal context and focuses on the interrelationships of family, school, and community as agents of socialization from historical, socio-cultural, and contemporary perspectives. The course highlights the processes of socialization and identity development, demonstrating the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families in a culturally diverse society. Formerly CHLD 210. C-ID CDEV-110.
CDEV 212: Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: CDEV 111
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
This course helps infant and toddler caregivers and directors interpret and apply the guidelines for quality care for children birth through three years of age. Topics include the role of the infant care teacher, new insights into early learning and development, the central role of families, guidelines for operating quality infant/toddler programs, facilitating learning and development with infants and toddlers, and program leadership and policies. This course meets state licensing requirements for child care providers and is aligned with the California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Foundations and Curriculum Framework, and it can be combined with CDEV 111 as an area of specialization for the Master Teacher Permit/Certificate. Formerly CHLD 212.
CDEV 230: Family Engagement in Early Childhood Programs
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course examines the ways in which early care and education program staff can build ongoing, reciprocal, and respectful relationships with program families. The course focuses on identifying communication methods and interactional strategies that promote successful family engagement and parent/professional partnerships from a strength-based approach. Topics include family dynamics and well-being; parenting styles; families as life-long educators; cultural, linguistic, gender, and developmental diversity; community resources; and support systems. Formerly CHLD 230.
CDEV 235: Children in a Diverse Society
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children's development, learning, and school experiences. It also explores anti-bias strategies that can be utilized in the classroom and/or in social settings to support children from diverse cultures, as well as approaches to promote inclusive, anti-racist classroom communities along with the promotion of language and identity development of multilingual children. The course includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers' own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families. Formerly CHLD 235. C-ID ECE-230.
CDEV 240: Children with Special Learning Needs
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course focuses on learning to work with children with a wide range of abilities, challenging behaviors, and other special learning needs in inclusive early childhood settings. Topics include attention to relevant special education legislation and family-focused practices. The course emphasizes adapting programming, curriculum and classroom teaching strategies to meet the needs of all young children, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Formerly CHLD 240.
CDEV 245: Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
Teachers of young children study the methods and principles of supervising and mentoring teachers, assistant teachers, student teachers, parents, and volunteers in early childhood classrooms. The course emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and competencies of classroom teachers who must function as new teacher mentors and address the needs of children, parents, and other adult learners. Topics include effective communication, problem solving, and negotiation in establishing positive interpersonal relations. Formerly CHLD 245.
CDEV 250: Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall
This course is designed for directors and assistant directors of early childhood programs. Topics include program types, budget, management, licensing and state regulations, development and implementation of policies and procedures, working with diverse populations, and health and safety guidelines. Students examine administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. Formerly CHLD 250.
CDEV 251: Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring
This course is designed for directors and assistant directors of early childhood programs. Topics include effective strategies for personnel management, legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and in-service training. Additional focus includes strategies for partnering with parents, motivating staff, and fostering effective community relations within diverse cultural contexts. Formerly CHLD 251.
CDEV 270: Practicum - The Student Teaching Experience
Units: 3
Prerequisites: CDEV 105, CDEV 106, CDEV 210, CDEV C1000, or CDEV 112
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in CHLD 270.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 6 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Teachers of young children apply developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision in the campus Child Development Center or in a community early childhood program. Students use their practicum experience to connect theory and practice as they develop professional behaviors and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. The course emphasizes child-centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning, planning, and assessment. Formerly CHLD 270. C-ID ECE-210.
CDEV 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
CDEV 299: Occupational Work Experience Education
Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
1831 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92058
760.795.8710
888.201.8480
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1 Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.757.2121
888.201.8480
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3333 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760.944.4449
888.201.8480
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2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.795.6820
888.201.8480
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