Child Development Courses

(3 units)

Students are introduced to the theory of human development focusing on growth from conception through adolescence. The course content focuses on the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains, and ways in which biological and diverse environments influence growth. Students identify typical and atypical development and apply strategies to promote healthy child development in their personal and/or professional lives.

(3 units)

This course familiarizes students with positive discipline techniques and other guidance models to be used with children from early childhood through adolescence. Communication techniques used in parent-teacher conferences are explored to give the student confidence in working with parents/guardians.

(3 units)

Prerequisite: CH DEV 1

This course provides an understanding of the principles and practices necessary to run an Early Childhood Education Program. State California licensing regulations, fiscal planning and management, personnel management, child abuse recognition and reporting requirements, and brochure development are some of the important topics covered. Professionalism and quality standards are emphasized.

(3 units)

Introduction to early childhood education theoretical, historical and contemporary models of principles and developmentally appropriate practices will be explored. This course includes teaching strategies, professional practices, advocacy/ethics, adult-child interactions, programs, diversity and environments supporting physical, social/emotional, cognitive and language development of young children.

(4 units)

Course provides supervised experience in a variety of Early Childhood Programs including infant centers, private preschools, State and Federally funded child development centers, special education centers, family daycare providers and school age programs. The student will relate all previous theory and curriculum.

(3 units)

Prerequisite: CH DEV 1

This course provides an in depth study of finances, including grant and proposal writing. Licensing requirements for a wide variety of children's programs will be explored. Risk management and disaster preparedness for children's programs will be covered. Other topics covered include advocacy, staff development, professionalism as well as current trends in child development.

(3 units)

This course explores the philosophy of developing creative activities for preschool and middle years children through hands-on experiences using numerous media.

(4 units)

Prerequisite: CH DEV 22

This course provides advanced supervised practicum in a variety of Early Childhood Education programs including infant centers, private preschools, State and Federally funded child development centers, special education centers, family daycare homes, and school age programs. The student will relate all previous theory and curriculum courses to practical application in the classroom.

(3 units)

This course will examine the development of social identities in diverse societies including theoretical and practical implications affecting young children, families, programs, teaching, education and schooling. Culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate anti-bias methods and techniques will be explored to support all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Course involves self-reflection of one's own understanding of educational principles and practices in integrating another approach to philosophy, objectives and goals to better perform teaching practices/styles and the development of inclusive program environments.

(3 units)

This course is ideal for those seeking a medium especially suited for teaching children. Puppets are used to voice quality scripts to instruct children in the areas of physical and social development, emotional expression, and creative drama. Practical techniques are learned to plan and perform creative puppet shows. Emphasis is on construction and manipulation of various genres of puppets using developmentally appropriate literature for children.

(3 units)

This course is a study of infant and toddler development, brain research and a relationship based approach to responsive program planning. Skill building in assessment, intervention, and inclusion will be developed. Direct observation in infant and toddler programs are required. Creating developmentally appropriate curriculum is emphasized.

(3 units)

This course examines specific classifications and special characteristics of exceptional children. Information on legislation for exceptional children is explored. IDEA, the IEP process, inclusion, early identification, and curricular approaches are examined. Students explore a variety of disabilities from a child development perspective including definition and educational implications.

(3 units)

This course provides students and teachers with a fundamental understanding of children’s health, safety, and nutrition needs and guides the implementation of effective classroom practices. Emphasis is placed on the pivotal role that teachers play in identifying children’s health needs, creating and maintaining high-quality, safe learning environments, meeting children’s essential nutritional needs, collaborating with families, and providing comprehensive health education in culturally and developmentally appropriate ways. Course is designed to actively engage learners, connecting theoretical and real life experience.

(3 units)

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This course explores appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play, and learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are explored.

(2 units)

This course presents principles and practices in staff relations and the supervision and evaluation of staff in early childhood program. The study of methods of clinical supervision and performance evaluation, leadership styles, group dynamics, conflict resolution, staff development, staff roles and responsibilities are explored.

(3 units)

This course asks students to define their personal ethics within the context of a contemporary society. Students analyze the relationships that exist among the home, school, and community. Racial, ethnic, and language differences affecting the structure and status of the family are investigated. Principles of an anti-bias curriculum will be discussed. Resources and referral agencies available within the local community will be identified.

(1 unit)

This course is an overview of literature suitable for children from birth through eight years. Students analyze a wide variety of books to address contemporary issues. Techniques of selection and presentation methods are explored.

(1 unit)

This course allows students to pursue Directed Study in Child Development on a contract basis under the direction of a supervising instructor.