Child Development Courses

Child Development Students have several options when it comes to their education. We now offer the AS-T degree, the A.A degree, as well as two certificates; the Child Development/Early Childhood Certificate of Achievement as well as the Child Development/Preschool Director Certificate of Achievement. We also highly encourage students to look into acquiring their Child Development Permit from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing which will help them obtain a job in state-funded or federally-funded programs (click on Child Development Permit Matrix to see your options).

Start with the 4 Core Classes:

  1. CD 110 - Child Development 
  2. CDEC 111 - Principles and Practices In Early Childhood Education
  3. CDEC 112 - Early Childhood Education Curriculum
  4. CDEC 113 - The Child, Family and Community

Total for this section = 12 units 

 Plus these 4 required courses:

  1. CD 124 - Teaching in a Diverse Society
  2. CD 139 - Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior
  3. CDEC 161 - Nutrition, Health and Safety in Children's Programs
  4. CDEC 164 - Early Childhood Education Practicum

*Please read the statement on SB 792. Required immunizations for all child care workers AND volunteers. These are required before you begin your practicum hours.

Total units up to this section = 24 units = Certificate of Achievement in Child Development/Early Childhood

Total units for the AS-T = the above 24 units for Child Development + Plan B for General Education (maximum of 39 units).

6 units of Optional Specializations for the Master Teacher Level of the Permit: (choose 2 of the following courses)

ECE Curriculum Planning Specialization

  • CDEC 62 - Exploring Creative Art Expression by Children (Fall only)
  • CDEC 63 - Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts and Social Sciences (Spring only)
  • CDEC 65 - Music and Movement for Young Children (Fall only)
  • CDEC 133 - Early Childhood Experiences in Math and Science (Spring only)

Infant/Toddler Specialization

  • CDIT 151 - Infant and Toddler Development
  • CDIT 152 - Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers

Special Education Specialization

  • CDSE 150 - Survey of Special Education
  • CDSE 152 - Special Education Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs

Child Development/Preschool Director Certificate of Achievement

Add these classes:

  • CDEC 166: Admin I:  Programs in Early Childhood
  • CDEC 167: Admin II:  Personnel and Leadership
  • CDEC 230: Adult Supervision and Mentoring