Study Child Development
Please see our Department Page for more information about the program.
Choose the Best Early Childhood Program
Our degrees and certificates in Early Childhood Education are designed to help you land rewarding jobs that work with kids. Read more about the benefits and opportunities for early childhood educators, early intervention specialists, preschool teachers, daycare workers, and more.
Degrees/Certificates
- Associate Teacher (C)
- Early Childhood Education (AS-T)
- Early Childhood Education (AS)
- Early Intervention Assistant (C)
- Master Teacher (C)
CHD - Child Development
CHD-001: Child Growth and Development (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course is a study of typical and atypical child growth and development in all domains from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors within the family cultural context. Students observe children using investigative research methods, evaluate differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. This course fulfills requirements as a core course for Title 22 licensing and the Child Development Permit Matrix. C-ID # CDEV 100.
4 - IGETC Social & Behavioral Sci, AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, CSU - California State University, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci, UC - University of California
CHD-002: Child, Family, and Community (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Advisory: CHD 001 This course addresses processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. The course examines the influence of multiple societal contexts and explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. This course fulfills requirements as a core course for Title 22 licensing and the Child Development Permit. C-ID # CDEV 110.
AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, CSU - California State University, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev, UC - University of California
CHD-003: Language and Literacy for the Young Child (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course explores the development of language in young children and how to apply that understanding in developmentally, linguistically and culturally appropriate ways in the early childhood classroom. Students learn how to promote language development and literate behaviors among emerging multilingual children through a variety of materials and experiences.
CSU - California State University
CHD-004: Cognitive Experiences for Children (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course examines the cognitive development in children by reviewing the theories, research and curriculum experiences that enhance the child's thinking or understanding of the child's physical and social world. The implications of Piaget's theory for curriculum design and the role of the teacher and the environment in cognitive development are also examined. Observation of children is required.
CSU - California State University
CHD-005: Music and Movement (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course is the study of music and movement activities and how these activities affect the child's growth and development. Students learn how to assess musical and movement experiences and design activities that promote the child's development. Students gain skills in determining how these musical experiences help with the pre-reading period, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and sensory and creative expressions. Observation of children is required. Students develop a resource file of songs and music to use for curriculum design and lesson plans.
CSU - California State University
CHD-006: Supervision and Administration (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite:CHD 001, CHD 002, and CHD 010. This course is an introduction to the administration procedures in early care and education programs. Topics include licensing requirements, administrative structures and governance, budgeting, program operation, and quality improvement techniques. This course fulfills the State of California licensing requirements and partially fulfills requirements for Program Director or Site Supervisor Permits.
CSU - California State University
CHD-007: Management Issues in Child Development Programs (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite CHD 006 This course is an in-depth study of effective application of personnel management and leadership procedures in early childhood programs. Topics include the unique goals, roles and responsibilities of the director or supervisor of the children's center. The course includes staff-administrator relationships, staff development and in-service training, and it focuses on effective problem solving techniques, decision making models, meetings, performance appraisals, and assessment of individual leadership styles. This course fulfills requirements for the State of California licensing policies and procedures from Title 22. This course also fulfills the requirements for the Site Supervisor and Program Director Child Development Permit.
CSU - California State University
CHD-008A: Practicum A (1.5 Lecture/2.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 3.5)
Prerequisite: CHD 001, CHD 002, CHD 010, CHD 015, CHD 026 This course introduces students to developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. Students utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. All aspects of curriculum development and implementation are emphasized. Students are required to complete 108 hours of scheduled work under the supervision of a practicum supervisor at the Mission College Child Development Center. C-ID # ECE 210.
CSU - California State University
CHD-010: Principles and Practices in Education (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Advisory: CHD 001, CHD 002. This is a survey course that explores the issues and methodology of Early Childhood Education from a diverse perspective. It includes the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice in early care and education for children from birth through age eight. The course explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally and culturally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. C-ID # ECE 120.
CSU - California State University
CHD-013: Teaching in a Diverse Society (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite CHD 001 and CHD 002 This course is an examination of the development of social identities and the theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms and teaching. Various classroom strategies are explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. This course includes self-examination and reflection on issues to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media and schooling. C-ID # ECE 230.
AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, B - AA-AS Natural Sciences - DNU, CSU - California State University, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev, UC - University of California
CHD-014: Art and Creative Development of Young Children (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course focuses on creative art experiences for the child. Students explore the factors that affect the development of creativity, artistic expression, and aesthetics in children. Developmentally appropriate art experiences are explored with the emphasis on process rather than product. The role of the teacher and the importance of the environment are discussed. Understanding and analyzing children’s art and its importance for the child’s overall development is studied. Students design creative art experiences to further the child’s creative expression and the role of art in STEM. Observation of children is required.
CSU - California State University
CHD-015: Observation and Assessment of Children (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite: CHD 001 Prerequisite: CHD 002 Introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. C-ID # ECE 200.
CSU - California State University
CHD-016: Infant and Toddler Development (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Advisory: CHD 001 This course provides students with an in-depth study of the child from prenatal through the early childhood years. This course is an extension of CHD 001, Child Growth and Development, in the exploration of the development of the very young child. This course meets the Infant-Toddler state licensing requirement. Observation of children is required.
CSU - California State University
CHD-017: Child Health and Safety (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course is designed to give students the skills needed to be able to identify children's health problems. The course is designed for persons working with children in early childhood environments. Included in the course is the study of infectious diseases, preventative health practices, nutrition and health promotion. The course meets State AB 962 requirements. C-ID # ECE 220.
AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, CSU - California State University, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev
CHD-018: Parenting Issues for Teachers (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)
This course is designed to give the student the skills needed as teachers to effectively work with parents and diverse families of the children in their care.
CSU - California State University
CHD-020: The Child with Special Needs in the Community (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite: CHD 001 and CHD 002 This course provides an overview of atypical development, a variety of disabilities and the impact a child with disabilities has on families. Educational, historical, societal and developmental issues are explored. The course examines special education laws, the identification and referral process, the development and implementation of an IFSP and an IEP, methods of intervention, and case management. Observation of children and conversations with family members and community agencies are required.
CSU - California State University
CHD-021: Children and Play (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Students examine the history and theories of play and explore how developmental stages of play affect the child’s overall growth. Students gain skills to analyze the child’s development and to design lesson plans that include developmentally appropriate play experiences that further the child’s growth. Observations of children’s play are required. Eligibility for ENGL 001A and REA 054 Advisory CHD 001
CSU - California State University
CHD-022: Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs (2.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.0)
This course gives students the skills necessary to assess program and staff performanceand supervise adults in early childhood settings. Students have opportunities to reviewprogram assessment models such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation self-study and to conduct self-assessments on leadership and communication styles. Career development strategies are also examined. This class partially fulfills the Site Supervisor or Program Director Permit requirements.
CSU - California State University
CHD-024: Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Programs: Managing Challenging Behaviors (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
This course assists students in learning positive guidance techniques to support children who are having challenging behaviors in early childhood programs. The course includes genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that impact the behavior of young children and practical strategies for intervention and prevention.
CSU - California State University
CHD-025: Inclusion Stategies and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Advisory: CHD 001, CHD 002 This course focuses on the theories, research, and practical applications from the fields of both early childhood education and special education. This course assists students in designing effective curriculum and intervention strategies for children with disabilities who are being served in inclusive and natural environments.
CSU - California State University
CHD-026: Introduction to Curriculum (3.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 3.0)
Prerequisite: CHD 001 Advisory: CHD 002 This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age 8. C-ID # ECE 130.