Child Development Department Courses
Please note that college course and program curriculum is a process of continual change. Every effort is made to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information below, but students should consult a counselor or the faculty chair for the most current details regarding course descriptions, course applicability to programs, and patterns of course offerings at each Cerro Coso Community College campus location. That a course does not showing a pattern of offerings does not mean it is not offered, only that it may be offered irregularly. Consult counseling or the faculty chair for more information.
Click on each course below for course details.
Course Descriptions
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 120 Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course provides historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practices in early care and education for children from birth through age eight. The course emphasizes best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. Topics include professional ethics, career pathways, professional standards, and the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 130 Introduction to Curriculum
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture.This course explores developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children from birth through age eight. Students use knowledge of children's development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children's development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
C-ID: CDEV 110 Child Family and Community
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course examines the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and the influence of multiple societal contexts. Students explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, from birth through adolescence. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course examines progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D or E, Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units
C-ID: CDEV 100 Child Growth and Development
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course examines progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D or E, Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course provides information on school-age developmental needs and stages, techniques for interacting positively and effectively with children, and ideas to assist in meeting the wide range of children's needs. The design of schedules, policies, the environment and activities are based upon the understanding of children's development, special needs and cultural background. Students are required to observe school-aged children in an out-of-school setting. Approved for Local GE Area 2.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course introduces positive and effective approaches for guiding children's behavior in the classroom and family settings. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 220 Health, Safety and Nutrition
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course introduces the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children from birth through middle childhood. Topics covered include the teacher's role in prevention strategies; nutrition and meal planning; integrating health, safety, and nutrition experiences into daily routines; and overall risk management. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 7.
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 230 Teaching in a Diverse Society
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course examines the impact of various societal influences on the development of children's social identity, covering developmentally appropriate, inclusive, culturally relevant, and anti-bias approaches. Self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, and bias are explored. Students are required to observe children and environments where children are in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 6.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C104, CHDV C106, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course provides an overview of the impact of early childhood traumatic experiences on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Students explore the correlation between socialization and the impact of trauma on the developing child, factors that influence the effects of trauma on the child, and the role of partnering with families in supporting children’s overall well-being. Students are required to observe children and/or environments where children are in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course introduces the variations in development of children with special needs, ages birth through eight, and the resulting impact on families. The course includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 6.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C102, CHDV C106, CHDV C107, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course covers the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, document, and implement developmentally appropriate activities and strategies in an emergent curriculum that supports the developing language and literacy skills of children. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C102, CHDV C106, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course delves into the intricacies of play in the classroom and how children use play to develop meaning. Special emphasis is placed on building play into the curriculum for children aged birth to school-age. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C104, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course explores cultural and linguistic responsiveness in early childhood settings with emphasis on the importance of the child's home language. It provides a historical overview of dual language programs in the United States. Special attention is given to building a foundation for understanding theories of language development and child development through the context of dual language learners. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 2 & 6.
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 200 Observation and Assessment
Advisory: CHDV C102, CHDV C104, CHDV C106, CHDV C125, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children's development and learning. This course emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are explored, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
C-ID: ECE 210 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
Prerequisite: CHDV C100, CHDV C102, CHDV C104, CHDV C106, CHDV C121, CHDV C125, CHDV C200.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
36 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. In this course, students demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice is emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. This course includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Students work in a supervised field experience and are required to perform at least 54 hours of practicum work under the direct supervision of a Master Teacher (or someone who would qualify as a Master Teacher) in an instructor-approved infant/toddler or preschool program. School-age program placement is restricted to before- and after-school programs or kindergarten. Participation in a placement setting requires proof of tuberculosis (TB) and immunization clearance.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. In this course, students learn to apply current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The course examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months. Students are required to observe infants and/or toddlers in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course provides instruction on how to implement quality programs for school-age children. Students learn assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs. Students use standards for school-age care to assess quality indicators in the areas of human relationships, indoor and outdoor environments, and curriculum. Students are required to observe school-aged children in out-of-school settings.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C100, CHDV C133, ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course explores the concept of trauma-informed care in early care and education settings. Students investigate how to create safe environments, so children feel comfortable to learn and explore, with special attention given to room design, materials, and routines. The course provides clear strategies for building trusting relationships with children and families. Students are required to observe children and/or environments where children are in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. The course focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. The course emphasizes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and developing cultural competence. Students will be required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for Local GE Area 6.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course introduces the administration of early childhood programs. It covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, and development and implementation of policies and procedures. The course examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. Students are required to observe licensed or license-exempt programs in their community.
3.0 Units
Advisory: CHDV C251, ENGL C101, LIBR C100. Limitation on Enrollment: Completion of
9 units of Child Development course work including CHDV C251
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course presents effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. The course includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. Students are required to observe licensed or license-exempt programs in their community.
3.0 Units
Prerequisite: CHDV C156. Advisory: CHDV C102
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course includes principles and strategies for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, building strong connections with families, classroom environments, curriculum, and authentic assessment. Students explore strategies to effectively support all dual language learners in an early childhood setting from infancy through preschool. Students are required to observe children in a group setting.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course addresses the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. There is an emphasis on the roles and development of early education professionals as mentors and leaders. Students are required to observe licensed and license-exempt programs in their community. This course satisfies the adult supervision requirement for the Master Teacher level of the Child Development Permit Matrix.
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